Toots Jazz Club
Het Toots Jazz Club ontstond op initiatief van pianist Joachim Caffonnette, die midden in het bruisende hart van Brussel een echte jazzclub wilde oprichten, waar de muziek tot in de vroege uurtjes weerklinkt. Zoals in New York en New Orleans… maar dan met een vleugje Brusselse zwanze erbij!*
Opgericht als eerbetoon aan de Belgische jazzlegende Jean-Baptiste “Toots” Thielemans, combineert de club de Brusselse geest met de feestelijke traditie van de meest levendige muziek die er bestaat.
Na zijn naam te hebben gevestigd door een jazzclub in het zuiden van de stad nieuw leven in te blazen, vestigde de vereniging Toots Live zich in 2025 – met zijn unieke sfeer en hoogstaande programmatie – op de Grote Markt van Brussel, dankzij de steun van de ULB, het Centrum voor Actie en Laïciteit en de Stad Brussel. Vijf avonden per week doen concerten en jam sessions de eeuwenoude muren trillen, terwijl toevallige voorbijgangers en schaakspelers worden verwelkomd in een warme sfeer die onmiskenbaar naar Brussel ruikt.
Theatres & concert halls
Toots Jazz Club
Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles
The Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles is, in French-speaking Belgium and far beyond, a leading force in the democratization of culture. Since its creation in 1945, its foundations and guiding principles have been rooted in collective engagement, artistic excellence, ethical responsibility, critical thinking, and cultural decentralization.
At a time when the global trend is increasingly towards inward-looking attitudes, the Théâtre National chooses to foster circulation and exchange. In particular, it explores new forms of collaboration with artists and other cultural organizations, as well as new ways of engaging with audiences. In an era marked by profound transformations, whether social, environmental, or digital, it does not hesitate to question sector practices, embracing a dynamic of sustainability, care, dialogue, and co-creation.
Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles
The Music Village
Enjoying a 17th century location at the very heart of Brussels, only a few metres away from the legendary Grand’Place, the Music Village has opened its doors on the 1st of September 2000. With acoustics, sound system, lighting, stage, warm welcome, comfort, and food & drink that live up to the most prestigious clubs of New-York and London, the Music Village offers all music fans, listeners and musicians alike, a return to the Golden Age of international jazz clubs. On the live program (300 concerts a year), the best Belgian and international jazz musicians, who have adopted this cosmopolitan venue that does justice to its home in the Capital of Europe.
Theatres & concert halls
The Music Village
Comic Art Museum
A world full of comics
An accomplished attraction located in the heart of Brussels, the Comics Art Museum has been honouring the creators and heroes of the 9th Art for 30 years.
The regularly renewed permanent exhibitions and a diversified programme of temporary exhibitions
enable visitors to discover the countless aspects of comics art.
Famous characters lead the way towards new adventures, an encounter with a world where creativity has no limits.
Enhanced by an exceptional Art Nouveau home designed by Victor Horta, the Comics Art Museum is just as much a tribute
to the pioneers as a glimpse of contemporary comics art.
Comic Art Museum
Museum of the City of Brussels / The King’s House
Two majestic buildings that stand opposite each other on Brussels' Grand Place have a long-standing rivalry: on one side you have Brussels' City Hall, and on the other the Broodhuis (Bread House), a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the Brussels City Museum. The rivalry between these two buildings is no coincidence. In the 15th century, the Duke of Brabant replaced the 13th century wooden bread market building with a prestigious building that would be a symbol of his power and face off against the imposing building on the other side of the Grand Place that symbolised the city's independence. The building owes its French name of Maison du Roi (King's House) to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who once ruled over a large part of the globe and once owned the Bread House. After being destroyed in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style in the 19th century by city architect Victor Jamaer.
But it's not all about the Broodhuis' history and facade. Inside the Brussels City Museum gives a comprehensive overview of Brussels' history, with particular attention given to the arts, crafts,urbanism and architecture . The original Manneken Pis is also housed here for security reasons, but as for his wardrobe, which is a thousand times larger than even the most passionate fashionista's, you can marvel at that in its dedicated museum on Rue du Chêne - Eikstraat.
Combined ticket giving access to the Brussels City Museum -Maison du Roi and the Garderobe MannekenPis.
Museum of the City of Brussels / The King’s House
Choco-Story - The Chocolate Museum
Visit to the Choco-Story Brussels museum
Right next to the Grand-Place, Choco-Story Brussels plunges you into the world of cocoa and chocolate, from the origins of cocoa over 5,000 years ago to the famous Belgian praline. You start your journey in the Amazon, passing through an Aztec temple before boarding the Cortes ship that brought cocoa beans to Europe. You'll discover how cocoa is transformed into chocolate and how it is sublimated by our chocolatiers. The tour ends with a traditional praline-making demonstration and tasting sessions. The audioguide, available in 11 languages, is included in the admission price.
Adult admission, without discount: €14/ person
Choco-Story - The Chocolate Museum
Bruxella 1238
Next to the stock exchange building, in the heart of Brussels, is a fascinating little archaeological site. It contains the remains of the Franciscan monastery founded in Brussels in 1238 and the tomb of Duke John I of Brabant. The foundations and various other objects offer a glimpse of an unknown side of the history of Brussels, and at the same time give a good idea of the different aspects of an archaeological dig.
Bruxella 1238
Frietmuseum Brussels
Frietmuseum Brussels is a fun, educational and tasty museum that takes visitors on a journey through the history, culture and traditions of this emblematic Belgian dish. With over 1,600 exhibits, old posters, interactive games, films and testimonials from fry makers, you can discover not only the history of the potato, but also the evolution of fries over time, and the secrets of perfect cooking.
Spread over three floors, the audio tour (available in 11 languages) starts in Peru, the origin country of the potato, before taking you on a world tour tracing the history of potato cultivation in South America and Europe.
Frietmuseum Brussels
Belgian Museum of Freemasonry
Historic and thematic overview of the history of freemasonry in Belgium.
The Belgian Museum of Freemasonry is a gesture of openness, an invitation by an institution renowned for it’s discretion and veiled in mystery, to get acquainted with its history. The museum, situated in an exquisitely restored neoclassical townhouse (house Dewez, late 18th century), presents artworks, ritual objects, jewellery, textiles, documents and books from the 18th century and on. They illustrate the origins, historic evolution, workings, ideas and present structures of freemasonry.
Exceptional opening:
First Sunday of the month: 13.00 - 17.00 free admission
Belgian Museum of Freemasonry
Théâtre des Martyrs
Théâtre des Martyrs
Le Jardin de ma Soeur
The desire to present theater amongst people; as if a performance is nothing but a conversation, in a place somewhere in between the large halls and the streets, half living room, half pub, in a warm ambiance where one can sip a glass while watching a performance. That's cafe-theater "Le Jardin de ma Soeur", at the edge of the ancient "Grand Béguinage de Bruxelles", alongside one of the quays of the old port of Brussels where the spirit of the dock workers lingers and where one can still feel the presence of the beguines with their long black robes.
Le Jardin de ma Soeur
Théâtre La montagne magique
Théâtre La montagne magique
Théâtre de Toone
During the Spanish occupation of the Netherlands all theaters were closed to prevent the actors from raising satirical pieces against the Spanish rulers. As a result, doll shows came into play: it was easier to tolerate the fierce dialogues when pronounced by lifeless dolls. About 1830 Antoine "Toone" Genty opened a puppet theater, then in the Marolles. More than 180 years later, this popular entertainment has grown into a Royal Puppet Theater. After Genty, his (unrelated) successors would also be called Toone (Antoine).
The classics are performed in the local Brussels dialect with wooden puppets (the so-called poechenel), sometimes in Dutch or in French. The puppet theater and museum has been located near the Grand Place for four decades. The theater is located on the upper floors of the building, on the ground floor there is a pub. The museum contains old dolls, including 19th century specimens.
Théâtre de Toone
BRONKS
BRONKS is Brussels’ Dutch-language theatre for young audiences with own productions and a varied and well-considered choice of guest productions in which both beginners and established artists are asked to deal with relevant and provocative topics in a way that appeals to a young audience. BRONKS productions are appealing and relaxing, but also contrary and demanding. It is theatre that reflects on the world and provides means by which to understand it better. BRONKS has also an extensive educational operation and organises festivals and events to suit a variety of audience groups.
Theatres & concert halls
BRONKS
Centre culturel Espace Magh asbl
Centre culturel Espace Magh asbl
KVS - Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg
KVS has hi-tech infrastructure at the beautifully restaured site on Lakensestraat/Rue de Laeken (the renovated auditorium called KVS_BOL, and the Top), and in the new building at Arduinkaai/Quai aux Pierres de Taille (the 'black box' ). KVS's programme is as diverse, colourful and exciting as Brussels itself with a variety of new KVS productions, revivals of past successes, local and international guest performances, theatre, dance, music, film, literature, stand-up comedy, debates, parties, etc.
KVS - Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg
Cinéma Palace
A new spot for art house films, local food and events in the center of Brussels.
A CINEMA FOR EVERYONE
Palace is intended to cater for everyone, from film buffs to professionals, along with visitors whose occasional trips to the cinema form part of a full programme comprising a dinner and a movie, followed by a drink to round off the evening.
Palace will open its doors to all the communities who breathe life into the centre of the city : the multicultural populations in the southern district, the schoolchildren in the Lower Town and the associative actors who see the cinema as a permanent force for education. And, as its entire infrastructure has been designed to welcome everyone without exception, Palace also invites visitors with limited mobility to experience the magic of the “Seventh Art”, ensuring that they have
unrestricted access.
Cinéma Palace
Brussels Comics Figurines Museum
Where Comics come to life !
The Brussels Comics Figurines Museum will immerse you in a private collection of figurines from the world of Belgian comics (Tintin, Spirou, The Smurfs...), American comics (Spider-Man, Batman...), mangas and many others.
You will also find these characters in other formats: with video games, explanatory videos or during a projection of cartoons in a period movie theater.
This immersive, sound-enhanced experience will appeal to the whole family. It will bring back many memories for adults and will also be suitable for the youngest: the visit is easily accessible, with very visual and colorful displays. Trip Advisor awarded the Moof the certificate of excellence in the year 2014 to 2024.
It is located in Brussels, behind the big statue of the white Smurf, in the HORTA gallery on LEVEL -1.
Brussels Comics Figurines Museum
Belgian Beer World experience
Belgium, the land of beer? That's for sure! Belgium boasts more brands of beer than any other country in the world. And another unique feature: Belgian beer culture has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
Belgian beer quite simply holds an extraordinary mix of influences, creativity and... Belgitude. Discover what makes Belgian beer so special at Belgian Beer World, more than a beer museum, an interactive experience!
Museums & tourist attractions
Belgian Beer World experience
Jardin Musical
a creative ecosystem founded by artists, for artists.
In the heart of historic Brussels, in the studio of its founder, the pianist Julien Brocal, the Jardin Musical is opening a human-scale salon to showcase regional artists and promote them internationally.
Jardin Musical
Chez Maman
Open since 3 December 1994, “Chez Maman” has become the drag cabaret par excellence in Brussels. Every weekend, Maman and her girls would perform on this mythical stage. When we talk about stage, we mean bar, because at “Chez Maman”, the bar of the main room is the stage. It’s true when they say that size doesn’t matter! Thanks to this tiny marble bar, hundreds of people can come and enjoy the magical experiences that happen at Chez Maman.
Many things have changed since, Maman is no longer there, but Sugar Love has taken over. Every Friday and every Saturday, she puts on her make-up and high heels and there she is, alongside her fabulous girls, performing all night long in front of many admirers. So what are you waiting for? Take a walk on the wild side. Get in and brace yourself for a fabulous drag show and an unforgettable night in one of the most famous gay bars in Brussels.
Chez Maman
Ancienne Belgique
The Ancienne Belgique has been a special place for live performances since 1979. The AB presents contemporary music, especially rock and pop, from all over the world. Besides concerts with internationally famous artists, the AB offers young musicians three stages where they can perform.
Theatres & concert halls
Ancienne Belgique
City of Brussels Town Hall
Of all of the town halls in the country, the City of Brussels town hall is undoubtedly one of the most majestic! This Gothic building, built in the 15th century, is enhanced by its setting on the Grand-Place, often described as the most beautiful square in the world... Admire the accuracy of its proportions, the countless sculptures that adorn its facades and the incomparable brilliance of its tower, whose spire supports the archangel Saint Michael, the city's protector. This City of Brussels laid the first stone of the sumptuous building back in 1401. In 1695, during the bombardment of the city by Louis XIV's troops, the town hall was burned down, but the walls and the tower remained standing. Its reception rooms and aldermen's chambers contain beautiful Brussels tapestries from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, sumptuous Gothic woodwork, coats of arms of the old guilds and paintings from the City of Brussels museum's collections.
City of Brussels Town Hall
Fashion & Lace Museum
The Fashion & Lace Museum displays its collections by means of major annual exhibitions. These address both the design and the production and social use of the garments.
The exhibitions transport you to diverse and captivating worlds. From items never before exhibited, such as in Masculinities or Back Side, through historical themes, such as the glamour of the 1930s or the bold ‘70s, to exhibitions devoted to Belgian designers such as Carine Gilson and Jean-Paul Lespagnard.
Parallel to these major exhibitions, the museum also offers:
- The Fashion Room, an unparalleled space in Belgium, provides you with the opportunity to understand how a museum builds its collections. Discover exceptional items, not hidden behind glass, in order to see them up close.
- The Lace Room displays remarkable pieces that illustrate the finesse, high quality and beauty of Brussels lace. Explore the history of this type of fabric, so valued by the elites in the 17th century yet no longer in vogue today.
Housed in a series of historic houses at the heart of Brussels, the Fashion & Lace Museum holds some 15,000 pieces from the 16th century to the present. The Museum has the most important collections in the world when it comes to Brussels design and production, which it seeks to position in a Belgian and international context.
Its collections attest to the changes in fashion as well as to a specific era of our culture and our society.
Fashion & Lace Museum
House of Maurice Béjart
Almost for 30 years Maurice Béjart, one of Belgium's most celebrated choreographers, lived in this house, where there's a great deal to discover about him thanks to a lot of documents.
Maurice Béjart lived in Brussels for nearly 30 years. The permanent exhibition entitled 'Béjart Parcours Libre' gives visitors the opportunity to discover this significant place where the choreographer lived, as well as a selection of archive pieces documenting his ballets (programmes, posters, manuscripts, original drawings, photographs, videos etc.).
"When Maurice Huisman, the new director of Théatre de la Monnaie, called me in 1959 to put on Le Sacre du Printemps, I didn’t think that this was going to be the beginning of a long life in Brussels. Almost 30 years! It is in Brussels that most of my choreographic creations were achieved.” Maurice Béjart
House of Maurice Béjart
Théâtre Royal des Galeries
Théâtre Royal des Galeries
Beursschouwburg
Apart from a pile of attractively stacked bricks in the heart of Brussels, the Beursschouwburg is, for the time being, principally an inspiring platform for between-the-arts. Here, artists reflect, show, scrap and start again in an ongoing dialogue with thinking and creative Brusseleers. The Beursschouwburg is a melting-pot and a thorn in the side, where art is served while it’s still hot. Where, now and again, artists rattle the programming. Where there’s more to life than art. Where performance, celebration, encounter and craziness all join in a merry dance.
Beursschouwburg
La Monnaie
La Monnaie is the federal operahouse of Belgium, residing in the European capital with an international reputation for producing opera’s, dance, concerts and recitals. Beside housing an own orchestra, choir and in-house ateliers, they can proudly rely on a passionate and dynamic team of coworkers and volunteers.
La Monnaie
Nouvel Act Comedy Club
Nouvel Act Comedy Club
Les Riches-Claires
Les Riches-Claires
La Madeleine
The facade of La Madeleine is the only surviving part of the large covered market built in 1847 on the plans of the architect J-P Cluysenaar and inaugurated in 1848. It was the first covered market in Brussels, with the exception of the small flower market designed a short time previously by the same architect in the Galeries Saint-Hubert. It was also one of Brussels’ first large metal constructions.
The Madeleine market was destroyed in 1957 and gave way to the festival hall of the City of Brussels. The cut stone façade, whose elevation is inspired by the Loggia dei Lanzi in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, was kept as the front of a new building.
For fifty years, the hall welcomed a host of festive and cultural events of all kinds. The venue is also known to the public for its receptions. It is notably where, for a long time, the city’s officials would gather for their annual dance, the Bal des Fonctionnaires.
After being operated for several years by the Casino of Brussels, the City of Brussels has officially entrusted the management of the Salle de la Madeleine to Brussels Expo.
La Madeleine
Le Musée des Brasseurs belges
The rich tradition of Belgian beer is kept alive at this small Brewery Museum. Visitors are shown implements, brewing and fermentation tubs, a boiling kettle and the material found in an eighteenth-century brewery.
In the cosy café, memories of days gone by are brought back to life. Old tankards, antique porcelain and the paraphernalia from an inn of the past illustrate what doubtless deserves to be called "Belgian Beer Culture".
Over the years, the Belgian brewers have kept pace with technology, centuries of brewing experience, investing in the necessary know-how and better techniques, as well as respect for both beer and nature are the pillars of the Belgian brewing industry.
After your visit, we will take you back to the geniality and hospitality that are so closely associated with Belgian beer.
The Belgian brewers will gladly offer you a glass of delicious beer in the café of the Brewery Museum.
Le Musée des Brasseurs belges
