Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)

Over a thousand instruments in the spectacular Old England building — an 1899 iron-and-glass Art Nouveau department store — where headphones play each instrument as you approach. €18 is steeper than it used to be, but the concept still charms, and the top-floor restaurant terrace has one of the best views in Brussels.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

When is it open?

Tuesday to Sunday 09:30-17:00, closed Mondays and major holidays. Ticket sales stop at 16:00 and last entry is 16:15 — tighter than most museums, so don't cut it fine.

How long should I allow?

Ninety minutes gets you the highlights across four themed floors; music lovers can lose three hours. Pace yourself — headphone listening is more tiring than reading labels.

What does the MIM cost in 2026?

€18 standard, €14 for 65+, €7 for ages 18-25, free under 18 and for disabled visitors. Free with the Brussels Card too, which is worth checking if you're museum-hopping.

How does the audio system work?

You get headphones with your ticket, and as you stand in front of an instrument you hear it being played — a gamelan, a serpent, a glass harmonica. It sounds gimmicky; it's actually the whole magic of the place.

What's right nearby?

It's on the Mont des Arts museum hill: the Magritte Museum and Royal Museums of Fine Arts are two minutes away, the panoramic garden stairs just below. Easy to chain into a full museum day.

Is the building really a former department store?

Yes — the Old England store, a black iron-and-glass Art Nouveau showpiece from 1899. Even people bored by tubas should ride to the top floor for the architecture and the view.

Can I get to the rooftop view without a museum ticket?

The 10th-floor restaurant/café is the viewpoint, and access is generally tied to the museum or a restaurant visit — policies shift, so ask at the desk. Either way, the panorama over Mont des Arts to the Town Hall spire is superb.

Is the MIM good for kids?

Very — the headphone trick works on children like a spell, and there's enough weird stuff (a componium, hurdy-gurdies) to keep them moving. Under-18s are free, which helps.

Nearby in Ask Brussels

• BOZAR – Centre for Fine ArtsMuseum0.06 km · 1 min walk
• Musée des Instruments de Musique (MIM) — EXCLUDED, replacing with: AutoworldMuseum0.1 km · 1 min walk
• Musée des Instruments de Musique (MIM)Attraction0.1 km · 1 min walk
• Musée Magritte MuseumAttraction0.16 km · 2 min walk
• BELvue MuseumMuseum0.17 km · 2 min walk