Models of the city, paintings and the wardrobe of Manneken Pis.
The Brussels City Museum occupies the Maison du Roi (in Dutch, the Broodhuis), on the south-west side of the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium. The site was originally a bread market in the 13th century, owned by the Dukes of Brabant, and the present building was begun in the early 16th century under Emperor Charles V, though it was never a royal residence in practice. After damage in the 1695 bombardment and a long period of decline, it was almost completely rebuilt in neo-Gothic style between 1873 and 1895 by the architect Victor Jamaer, giving the Grand Place its present ornate profile. The collections of the city were moved here in the late 19th century, and the building now serves as the museum of the history of Brussels.
The permanent exhibition is arranged broadly thematically and chronologically across several floors. It presents the development of the city from its medieval origins through the Burgundian and Habsburg periods to modern times, with a large model of Brussels, maps and plans, tapestries, ceramics, silver and Gothic sculptures taken from the Town Hall and the Grand Place. Paintings and prints illustrate the city's appearance in earlier centuries, including the effects of the 1695 bombardment. One floor displays original sculptures removed from the facade of the Town Hall for preservation and replaced by copies.
The museum's most popular attraction is the wardrobe of Manneken Pis, the small fountain statue a few streets away, which has been given costumes by visiting delegations, associations and heads of state since the 17th century. Hundreds of the outfits, running into the low thousands in total, are kept here, and a selection is displayed on rotation. The costumes range from traditional dress and uniforms to humorous and commemorative outfits, and provide a lively overview of the city's social history.
The interior combines the neo-Gothic shell with modern display cases, and the upper floors offer views over the Grand Place. The museum is run by the city of Brussels. Combined with a walk around the Grand Place, it forms an accessible introduction to the city's history, and a visit is appropriate for a wide range of ages.
| Admission | About €10 (~$12) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00 (verify) |
| Address | Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels |
Location
Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels
50.8467, 4.3530 View on map
Highlights
- Wardrobe of Manneken Pis costumes on rotating display
- Scale model and plans showing the historic city
- Original Gothic sculptures from the Town Hall
- Tapestries, ceramics and silverware from Brussels workshops
- Neo-Gothic Maison du Roi building on the Grand Place
Tips for visiting
- Start on the upper floors with the Manneken Pis costumes, then work down.
- Check the first Sunday of the month for possible free-entry arrangements.
- Allow time to look out over the Grand Place from the upper windows.
- Pair the visit with a Town Hall tour on the same square.
- Go early on weekdays to avoid school groups.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest; the Grand Place outside is busiest at midday and on summer weekends.
Accessibility
The museum has lifts to the main floors, though some historic areas may have uneven surfaces. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the museum in advance to confirm access.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Yes. Information panels and audio resources are available in English alongside French and Dutch.
How long does a full visit take?
Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours.
Can you visit with kids?
Yes. The Manneken Pis costumes and the city model are popular with children.
Why is it called the Maison du Roi?
The name means King's House, a reference to the building's origins as a property of the ruling dukes and later of the Habsburg monarchs.