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Oldmasters & Fin-de-Siècle museums

3 Rue de la Régence, Bruxelles, Bruxelles

Description

The Oldmasters Museum and Fin-de-Siècle Museum Royal are part of the Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and share the same building, the ex-Palace for Fine Arts designed in Beaux-Arts style. The focus of the Oldmasters is on Flemish and Dutch paintings from the 15th to mid-19th centuries with works for Rubens and Bruegel the Elder for instance whereas the Fin-de-Siècle Museum collection is dedicated to works from the 1880's to 1914 (WW1) that include not only paintings but also sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts.

Access & Transport

The museums are on Place Royale, directly served by tram lines 92 and 93 at the 'Royale' station. It is a 10mins walk to Centrale train and metro station (1, 5).

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit there with the Place Royale, the Royal palace, the Musical Instruments Museum, and/or Mont des Arts. Brussels Park is also a great place for a break.

Meta review

The museums are invariably listed in travel guides but are not prominently featured by travel bloggers or well-ranked on online review portals. For the Oldmasters, reviews are quite good but do warn that whilst the period covered is extensive, the topic definitely isn't: religious paintings mostly from Flemish painters. The Fin-de-Siecle is considered secondary by many but not by those who enjoy the variety of medium (including decorative arts) or with a soft spot for the Impressionist/Expressionist movements and their varied themes. Some recurring comments about the building being both suitable and enjoyable.

Environmental & Social

Some environment impact to run the museums (mostly electricity). Spreads culture and the arts

Conclusion

The museums are conveniently housed in the same elegant building, reasonably priced, and focused on artists from Belgium and the Netherlands. Easily one of the best cultural activities in the city - for art lovers in particular.

Key positive

Large collections with a few masterpieces

Centrally located with public transport options

Key negative

Theme of the Oldmasters museum may not be for everyone

Suitability

Wheelchair accessible. Children under 14yrs old may not be interested in the collections

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 May, 24 Sept, 01 Nov, 11 Nov, 25 Dec and 01 Jan

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday -

Tuesday10:00 - 17:00

Wednesday10:00 - 17:00

Thursday10:00 - 17:00

Friday10:00 - 17:00

Saturday11:00 - 18:00

Sunday11:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Covers both museums. There is a combo ticket with the Magritte Museum.
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€8
Adult
19 - 64
€10
Child
3 - 18
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Price for students up to 26yrs old is €3

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