# Magritte Museum — Brussels, Belgium

> The Magritte Museum opened in 2009 in the neoclassical Hôtel Altenloh on Place Royale, adjacent to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. It holds the world's largest collection of works by René Magritte (1898–1967), the Belgian surrealist painter whose image-language subversions — including The Treachery of Images ('Ceci n'est pas une pipe') and The Son of Man — became among the most reproduced images of the 20th century.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed Mondays
- Admission: €10 standalone; included in the RMFAB combined ticket (€15)
- Address: Place Royale 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Time needed: 90 minutes
- Official website: https://www.fine-arts-museum.be/en/museums/magritte-museum
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- The Empire of Light — René Magritte · 1954
- The Dominion of Light — René Magritte · 1954
- The Return — René Magritte · 1940
- Scheherazade — René Magritte · 1950

## FAQ
**Where is 'The Treachery of Images' (Ceci n'est pas une pipe)?**
The most famous version of this painting is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The Magritte Museum in Brussels holds other major works from the same conceptual series and period, as well as Magritte's personal archive.

**Is the Magritte Museum part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts?**
Yes — it is one of six museums that make up the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium complex. A combined ticket covers all six museums.

**How long should I spend at Magritte Museum?**
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.

**What is Magritte Museum best known for?**
The Magritte Museum opened in 2009 in the neoclassical Hôtel Altenloh on Place Royale, adjacent to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. It holds the world's largest collection of works by René Magritte (1898–1967), the Belgian surrealist painter whose image-language subversions — including The Treachery of Images ('Ceci n'est pas une pipe') and The Son of Man — became among the most reproduced images of the 20th century. Key highlights include 230 original Magritte works — world's largest collection, The Empire of Light series — day/night paradox paintings, Bowler-hat men — Magritte's signature motif.

**How do I get tickets for Magritte Museum?**
€10 standalone; included in the RMFAB combined ticket (€15) Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.fine-arts-museum.be/en/museums/magritte-museum

**Where is 'Ceci n'est pas une pipe'?**
The most famous version is at LACMA in Los Angeles. The Magritte Museum holds other works from the same conceptual series, including paintings and gouaches that explore the pipe motif. The museum's strength is breadth across Magritte's entire career rather than any single iconic work.

**Is the combined Royal Museums ticket worth it?**
At €15 for all six museums (Old Masters, Fin-de-Siècle, Magritte, Modern, Meunier, and Wiertz), it is excellent value if you plan to visit two or more. The Magritte Museum alone is €10. The Old Masters Museum and Fin-de-Siècle Museum are within 5 minutes on Rue de la Régence.

**How long should I spend at the Magritte Museum?**
Allow 90 minutes for a thorough visit of all three floors. The surrealist galleries on Level 2 deserve the most time. Add 30 minutes if you want to explore the personal archive on Level 1. The museum is compact and focused — ideal as a half-day activity combined with other Place Royale sights.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/magritte-museum/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.