A photograph of Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium
Photograph · Bernard J. Noël · CC BY-SA 3.0

Museum · Brussels

Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium

Muséum des sciences naturelles de Belgique - Museum voor Natuurwetenschappen van België

Closed today
Today
Closed today
Visit duration
≈ 1 hr 30 min (estimated) Category default — not a measured value
Accessibility
Step-free
Price
€15.00 per person
Standing
Must see
Rank
Rank 15 of 3,688
Plan a day around this Map

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Closed today, Monday. Next open Tuesday at 09:30 — the planner will not place a stop here on a Monday.

Plan around it

Plan your visit.

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 09:30 – 17:00
Wednesday 09:30 – 17:00
Thursday 09:30 – 17:00
Friday 09:30 – 17:00
Saturday 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday 10:00 – 18:00

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Admission

Per person €15.00

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Access and facilities

  • Accessible toilets · Available
  • Step-free access · Available
  • Toilets · Available

Read from the OpenStreetMap access tags; anything not listed has no tag recorded.

Set the group type to family in the planner and the day window contracts to about three quarters of a solo day.

About Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium

The Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium is a major natural history museum located in Brussels. Its local names are Muséum des sciences naturelles de Belgique in French and Museum voor Natuurwetenschappen van België in Dutch, reflecting Belgium's bilingual character. The institution is established as a significant cultural and scientific venue within the capital. The museum occupies a substantial building and serves as a repository for natural history collections. Visitors should verify basic operational information before planning a visit. Monday: closed; Tuesday–Friday: 09:30–17:00; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00. Last admission is between 15:30 and 16:00 from Tuesday to Friday and between 16:30 and 17:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Yes. On 24 and 31 December, the museum closes at 15:00 and the last ticket is available at 13:30. Last admission is between 15:30 and 16:00 from Tuesday to Friday and between 16:30 and 17:00 on Saturday and Sunday.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The museum is internationally recognized for its extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including notable iguanodon specimens. These prehistoric displays form a central attraction. Fossil skeletons, evolutionary exhibits, and biodiversity presentations are understood to feature prominently. Scientific specimens accumulated over decades contribute to its research reputation. Visitors interested in paleontology will find this a primary draw. A ramp connects the museum car park to the entrance; its doors are not automatic, and the car park attendant can assist.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

A thorough visit to the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium typically requires several hours, though individual pacing varies considerably. The dinosaur halls alone demand substantial attention from enthusiasts. Families with children may progress differently than dedicated researchers or adult visitors. The building's layout and the density of exhibits influence duration. Visitors should allocate adequate time for major displays and consider personal interests in natural history when planning.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

The source context provides no specific opening times, seasonal schedules, last-entry times, or closure days for the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium. Weekends typically draw more family visitors to natural history institutions generally. Advance verification remains essential. Monday: closed; Tuesday–Friday: 09:30–17:00; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00. A ramp connects the museum car park to the entrance; its doors are not automatic, and the car park attendant can assist. A wheelchair lift connects the entrance hall with the cloakroom level. Two main lifts and several additional wheelchair-accessible lifts serve the museum.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

Many European national museums operate variable pricing structures including reductions for students, seniors, or children, but specifics here are unavailable. Visitors should consult the museum's official channels for current fee structures and payment methods. Standard adult admission for visitors aged 26 and over is €15. Admission is €11 for visitors aged 65 and over, €6 for ages 3–25, and free for children aged 0–2. A European Disability Card holder and one accompanying person receive free admission.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

The museum is situated in Brussels, Belgium's capital and a major European transport hub. The city possesses extensive public transit including metro, tram, and bus networks operated by STIB/MIVB. Brussels Central, Nord, and Midi stations connect to national and international rail services. The entrance is at 29 Rue Vautier, 1000 Brussels. Brussels-Luxembourg railway station is about a five-minute walk away via exit 2. Buses 34 and 80 stop at Museum opposite the museum; buses 38 and 95 stop at Idalie or Luxembourg, about five minutes away. Maelbeek/Maalbeek station on metro lines 1 and 5 and Trône/Troon station on lines 2 and 6 are each about a ten-minute walk away. Parking is limited, so the museum recommends public transport.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

Visitors should anticipate bilingual signage throughout, matching Belgium's French and Dutch language requirements. Crowding around dinosaur exhibits may impede movement during peak periods. The context provides no specific accessibility information, security protocols, or prohibited items list. Standard museum behaviors apply: respect barriers around specimens, supervise children near valuable displays, and follow staff instructions. Photography policies require separate verification. A ramp connects the museum car park to the entrance; its doors are not automatic, and the car park attendant can assist.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Many natural history museums permit non-flash photography for personal use while restricting commercial imaging, tripod deployment, or selfie sticks. Specific rules here require direct verification. Flash photography may damage light-sensitive specimens or disturb other visitors. Some exhibits might carry individual restrictions. Visitors should observe posted signage and staff guidance upon entry. Drone use would almost certainly be prohibited indoors. Respecting institutional policies protects collections and ensures positive experience for all attendees. Two parking spaces are reserved for disabled-parking-card holders, and a visitor wheelchair can be reserved by email.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Place details and sources

Admission fee
Payable OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Museum type
Nature OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Type of place
Museum OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Established
1846 Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Opened
1846 Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Wikipedia article
Museum of Natural Sciences Wikipedia · Checked 2026-09-09

Common questions

When is the last admission?

Last admission is between 15:30 and 16:00 from Tuesday to Friday and between 16:30 and 17:00 on Saturday and Sunday.

Does the museum close early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve?

Yes. On 24 and 31 December, the museum closes at 15:00 and the last ticket is available at 13:30.

Do schools and groups need reservations?

Yes. Schools and groups of 15 or more must reserve by emailing [email protected].

May visitors take photographs or video?

Photography and filming for personal use are allowed without flash or tripods, provided other visitors are not disturbed. Professional or commercial work requires prior authorization.

Are a cloakroom and lockers available?

Yes. The ground-floor cloakroom and keyless lockers are free and are located immediately before the entrance to the Dinosaur Gallery.

Can visitors eat at the museum or bring a picnic?

The Dino Café serves food and drinks. An indoor picnic area is beside the Mineral Hall on floor -1, and an outdoor area with ten tables is near the entrance behind the Ishango bone statue.

Nearby

Within 6 min on foot
  • Wiertz Museum 1 hr 30 min
    2 min walk

    Wiertz Museum

    • High · Heritage site
    • Museum
  • House of European History 1 hr 30 min
    6 min walk

    House of European History

    • Must see
    • Museum
  • Parlamentarium 1 hr 30 min
    6 min walk

    Parlamentarium

    • Must see
    • Museum

Last updated:

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·