Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Brussels · Belgium · Founded 1801
Good for: Art Lovers · History Enthusiasts · Rainy-day visits
1801
Founded
20,000+
Works of Art
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, Belgium — the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels form one of the oldest and largest museum complexes in Europe, housing six distinct museums under one institution. Open Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed Mondays. Admission: €15 standard; €5 Magritte Museum add-on; combined tickets available. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium form one of the oldest and largest museum complexes in Europe, housing six distinct museums under one institution on Place Royale in Brussels.
The Museum of Ancient Art, Museum of Modern Art, Magritte Museum, Wiertz Museum, Meunier Museum, and Fin-de-Siècle Museum together span six centuries of Belgian and international art.
The collection's greatest strength is Flemish painting: the museum holds the world's largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, including The Fall of Icarus and The Census at Bethlehem.
The adjacent Magritte Museum, in a separate neoclassical building, holds the world's largest collection of works by the surrealist René Magritte — around 230 paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
The Fall of Icarus
📍 Museum of Ancient Art
Icarus drowning unnoticed while a farmer ploughs and a ship sails on — a meditation on human indifference to suffering.
- 2
The Census at Bethlehem
📍 Museum of Ancient Art
Mary and Joseph arrive at a snow-covered Flemish village for the census — Bruegel's genius for transposing biblical scenes into contemporary peasant life.
- 3
The Empire of Light
📍 Magritte Museum
A house and tree beneath a bright daytime sky above a darkened street — one of Magritte's most celebrated paradoxes of light and darkness.
- 4
The Death of Marat
📍 Museum of Ancient Art
David's iconic image of the murdered revolutionary journalist — one of the defining images of the French Revolution, displayed alongside Flemish and Dutch masterworks.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium — and why they matter.
The Fall of Icarus
Pieter Bruegel the Elder · c. 1560
📍 Museum of Ancient Art
Icarus drowning unnoticed while a farmer ploughs and a ship sails on — a meditation on human indifference to suffering. One of Bruegel's most enigmatic masterpieces.
The Census at Bethlehem
Pieter Bruegel the Elder · 1566
📍 Museum of Ancient Art
Mary and Joseph arrive at a snow-covered Flemish village for the census — Bruegel's genius for transposing biblical scenes into contemporary peasant life.
The Empire of Light
René Magritte · 1954
📍 Magritte Museum
A house and tree beneath a bright daytime sky above a darkened street — one of Magritte's most celebrated paradoxes of light and darkness.
The Death of Marat
Jacques-Louis David · 1793 (1794 copy)
📍 Museum of Ancient Art
David's iconic image of the murdered revolutionary journalist — one of the defining images of the French Revolution, displayed alongside Flemish and Dutch masterworks.
Collections & highlights
- • World's largest Bruegel the Elder collection
- • Magritte Museum — 230+ works
- • Rubens, Van Dyck, and Flemish masters
- • Fin-de-Siècle and Art Nouveau
- • Wiertz and Meunier specialist museums
- • Jacques-Louis David and French Neoclassicism
Frequently asked questions
What is the Magritte Museum?
The Magritte Museum is a dedicated museum within the RMFAB complex, holding the world's largest collection of works by surrealist painter René Magritte — around 230 original paintings, drawings, gouaches, and sculptures. It is housed in the neoclassical Place Royale building adjacent to the main museum.
Is the Bruegel collection really the largest in the world?
Yes — the RMFAB holds more works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder than any other museum in the world, including iconic paintings not on loan to any other institution.
How long does a visit take?
The full complex — six museums — would take a full day. Most visitors focus on the Museum of Ancient Art and the Magritte Museum, which together take 2–3 hours.
How long should I spend at Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium best known for?
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels form one of the oldest and largest museum complexes in Europe, housing six distinct museums under one institution. The Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Magritte Museum, the Wiertz Museum, the Meunier Museum, and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum together span six centuries of Belgian and international art. Key highlights include World's largest Bruegel the Elder collection — The Fall of Icarus, The Census at Bethlehem, Rubens — The Martyrdom of Saint Lieven and other major works, Jacques-Louis David's Death of Marat.
How do I get tickets for Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium?
€15 standard; €5 Magritte Museum add-on; combined tickets available 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
Is the Magritte Museum separate?
It is a separate building on Place Royale but covered by a combined ticket. Allow an extra hour for the Magritte collection.
Which Bruegel works are always on view?
The Fall of Icarus and The Census at Bethlehem are permanent highlights. Other Bruegel paintings rotate occasionally for conservation.
Can I visit all six museums in one day?
Possible but exhausting. Most visitors focus on the Museum of Ancient Art and the Magritte Museum — together 2–3 hours.
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