Choco-Story Brugge (Chocolate Museum)

Choco-Story Brugge, at Wijnzakstraat 2 near Sint-Jansplein in Brugge, Belgium, is a museum devoted to the history and making of chocolate and a natural stop for anyone interested in Belgium's best-known food. It sits in the Huis de Crone, a historic building in the old town, five minutes' walk west of the Markt. The exhibition follows cocoa from its origins with the Maya and Aztecs, through its arrival in Europe in the 16th century, to the rise of Belgian pralines and the chocolate industry. Visitors see ancient cocoa tools, Spanish and Dutch chocolate-making equipment, antique moulds and packaging, and displays on how cocoa is grown and processed. Throughout the visit there is a multilingual audio guide, and tasting stops with small samples of chocolate are included. The highlight for many is the live demonstration by a chocolatier, who shows how pralines are shaped and filled and often gives out a taste. The museum also runs workshops, usually booked in advance, in which participants make their own chocolate. A shop at the end sells pralines and bars. The visit takes about an hour, and entry costs around EUR 14 for adults, with reduced prices for children. The museum is open daily from about 10:00 to 17:00, and the afternoon is the usual time to visit, since groups of day trippers arrive at midday and school groups fill the late morning. Quieter moments tend to be the final hour before closing and weekday afternoons in low season. The route is covered, so the museum is a useful choice on rainy days. The building has steps between rooms, so a visit is slower for those with limited mobility. Visitors should note that the samples contain milk, nuts and other allergens, so those with allergies should ask staff.