Belgian Comic Strip Center: A Celebration of the Ninth Art
Explore the world of Tintin, the Smurfs, and more at Brussels' Comic Art Museum, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece.
The Belgian Comic Strip Center, located in the heart of Brussels, is a must-visit for comic book enthusiasts and art lovers alike. The museum is dedicated to the history and art of comics, showcasing the work of famous Belgian comic artists. Housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta in 1906, originally a Waucquez fabric warehouse, the museum itself is a work of art. The building was threatened with demolition but was saved by Horta's student. The museum opened its doors on October 6, 1989, and has since become one of Brussels' main attractions, drawing over 200,000 visitors annually. The museum's collection includes original comic strips, manuscripts, and artwork that highlight the cultural significance of comics in Belgium. The exhibit starts with Hergé and ends with Peyo, covering the pioneers of Belgian comics between 1929 and 1958, with a special focus on the magazines Spirou and Tintin. Each artist has a room dedicated to his work and designed in a playful way. The final floor is dedicated to the merchandising of comics and available for provisional exhibitions. Visitors can explore the permanent exhibitions, which showcase the history of Belgian comics, as well as temporary exhibitions dedicated to various comic strip artists. The museum also organizes sketching sessions, making it a great activity for kids.
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds.
- Purchase tickets online to save time.
- Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully explore the museum.
- Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and events.
A brief summary to Comics Art Museum
- Rue des Sables 20, Brussels, Brussel, 1000, BE
- +3222191980
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From the Grand Place, walk east on Rue de l'Amigo towards Rue des Sables. Turn right onto Rue des Sables, and the museum will be on your left at number 20. The walk is about 10-15 minutes.
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Public Transport
Take Metro line 1 or 5 to the Parc station. Exit towards Rue du Mont des Arts, walk straight until you reach Rue des Sables, then turn left. The museum will be on your right at number 20. A single journey ticket costs approximately €2.10. Alternatively, take tram line 9 or 19 to the Palais stop. Walk straight down Rue des Sables; the museum is at number 20.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Brussels. A short taxi ride from the city center to the museum will cost approximately €8-€17, depending on traffic and the time of day. Base fare is €2.60, with a price per kilometer of €2.30 and a price per minute of €0.60. A €2 surcharge applies for rides between 10 PM and 6 AM.
