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The four great cities of northern Belgium share a rich cultural heritage dating back to medieval times, when this was one of the most vibrant trading regions in the world. Yet each is very different: Brussels is the new Capital of Europe, while Bruges is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities. Ghent is a historic university city, while Antwerp still has the muscular stance of a great industrial centre. Each, in its own way, is richly rewarding – not only in cultural sights, but also in delightful and welcoming places to stay, eat and drink.
For a list of the best art galleries and museums (see Art Galleries and Museums)-
Art Nouveau was also called “Style Liberty”, after the famous London store. Brussels’ “Old England” store was named to echo this vogue. The building now houses the Museum of Musical Instruments (see Musée des Instruments de Musique).
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Newly rehoused in a magnificent Art Nouveau building, the “MIM” contains thousands of instruments – ancient, modern, ethnic and just plain wacky (see Musée des Instruments de Musique).
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Since moving to its new home in a classic Art Nouveau department store, perched on a ridge overlooking the city, “Le MIM” has become one of Brussels’ must-see sights. The multifarious exhibits are enhanced by the pleasure of hearing their sounds through headphones (see Musée des Instruments de Musique).
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See – and taste – chocolate in the making.
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A fascinating collection, in the foyer of a cinema, tracing the early history of the moving image.
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Exquisite examples of costume and lace, an industry that employed 10,000 women in mid-19th-century Brussels (see Musée du Costume et de la Dentelle).
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This delightful toy museum appeals to both adults and children alike.
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Teddy bears, dolls, miniature farmyards, rocking horses – this toy museum is an Aladdin’s cave of delights with exhibits from the 1850s to the present (see Musée du Jouet).
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Toy museums have a habit of boring children stiff, but this one bucks the trend with its welcoming atmosphere and hands-on exhibits (see Musée du Jouet).
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The trams of modern Brussels are the last vestiges of a transport system that has formed an integral part of the city’s character. Visitors cannot fail to be won over by this extensive collection of over 60 trams, from the horse-drawn “hippomobiles” of the 1860s to sleek expressions of 1960s modernity, all housed in an old tram depot. Tickets include a 20-minute ride in a historic tram to (and from) Tervuren (and the Africa Museum) or the Parc Cinquantenaire.
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