Magritte Museum, a Brussels museum dedicated to the surrealist works of René Magritte.
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Magritte Museum

Brussels, Belgium
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Magritte Museum, a Brussels museum dedicated to the surrealist works of René Magritte.

For those seeking an encounter with the uncanny and the poetic, the Magritte Museum provides a gateway into surrealism’s heart. The landmark brims with curiosity and wonder, offering an immersive day among the visions of one of the world’s most inventive painters. This isn’t just a quiet place to stare at art—it’s a vivid, layered journey through the mind of René Magritte, set inside a grand Brussels townhouse. Guests find themselves immersed in puzzle-like paintings, unusual objects, and the sense that magic hides in plain sight.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
10 EUR
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Pl. Royale 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

Arriving prepared makes the Magritte Museum experience far richer. Crowds gather, especially on weekends when both art lovers and curious newcomers fill the airy galleries. Early birds and weekday visitors often enjoy more peaceful moments among the canvases. The central location, close to the Place Royale, keeps the museum easy to reach by public transportation or on foot if staying around Brussels’ cultural districts. Large stroller-friendly elevators, clear signage, and helpful staff make the museum welcoming to everyone, though narrow hallways can occasionally feel busy during high season.

  • Best time to visit: Mid-week mornings, or late afternoons in spring and fall for fewer crowds.
  • How to get there: Short walk from Central Station; also accessible by metro (lines 1 or 5, Parc stop), or tram.
  • Accessibility: Elevators for wheelchairs and strollers; seating in most galleries; accessible restrooms available.
  • Average visit duration: 1.5 to 2 hours to see highlights, longer if exploring deeply.

Must see stuff

Inside the museum’s elegant, light-filled spaces, guests move through three levels packed with over 230 works by Magritte. The paintings dazzle, but the real impact comes from seeing so many close together, each raising playful questions about what’s real and what’s imagined. Special exhibitions sometimes mix in little-known sketches or personal photographs, adding fresh depth for return visitors. Quiet corners in the museum invite visitors to linger, while wide windows frame sweeping city views—a striking backdrop to the dreamlike art on display.

  • Key sights: "The Empire of Light," "Golconda," and Magritte’s famous bowler hat self-portraits. Don’t skip the rare early experiments and haunting sculptures upstairs.
  • Unique experiences: Download a digital guide or follow a themed trail to spot hidden references to Magritte’s life. The “Mystery” route reveals objects he loved, like apples and pipes, scattered in unexpected places.
  • Photo-worthy locations: The main staircase under the glass dome, and the view from the third-floor window toward the Place Royale.
  • Cultural facts: Wall texts (in several languages) explain how Magritte’s art responded to both world wars and shaped surrealism’s rise in Europe.

Tips for your visit

A memorable visit to the Magritte Museum comes from knowing what to expect—and what to pack. Galleries stay comfortably climate-controlled, but coat racks are limited on cold or rainy days. Gift shop finds tend to be original and inspired by the art, but lines can get long just before closing time. Photography policies loosened in recent years, welcoming respectful snapshots. Above all, soaking up the curious spirit of Magritte’s work means slowing down, letting the paintings puzzle and delight at their own pace.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive when doors open, especially outside of school holidays.
  • What to bring: Comfortable shoes for polished floors, a water bottle (there’s no café inside), and a charged phone or small camera.
  • Etiquette: Silence phones and keep quiet voices—many visitors come to reflect. Sketching with pencils is sometimes allowed, but ask staff before starting.
  • Safety and comfort: Watch for low lighting in parts of the museum. Save large backpacks at the cloakroom for easier movement through narrow galleries.