Museum

Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels

Musical Instruments Museum, BrusselsTrougnouf (Benoit Brummer) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
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The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) is one of Brussels' most fascinating museums, housed in the stunning former Old England department store, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. The museum's collection includes over 8,000 instruments from across the globe, spanning from ancient times to the present. Visitors are equipped with wireless headphones that automatically play music as they approach each exhibit, allowing them to hear the instruments being played. The collection is organized by region and historical period, with highlights including a rare collection of African drums, European harpsichords, and the world's largest collection of saxophones (Adolphe Sax was Belgian). The building itself is a highlight, with its wrought-iron facade, stained glass, and a rooftop café offering panoramic views of Brussels. The museum is located in the Mont des Arts area, close to the Royal Palace and other museums.

Don't miss

  • The wireless headphone system that plays music as you walk through the galleries
  • The Art Nouveau architecture of the building, including the ironwork and stained glass
  • The rooftop café with views over Brussels
  • The collection of saxophones, including early models by Adolphe Sax
  • Instruments from non-European cultures, such as gamelans and African drums

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Ways to visit Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels

You can visit Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels on your own. A guide mainly adds context, what you are looking at and why it matters, and a tour can add transport or combine nearby sights into one day.

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