The 10 Most Unusual Museums In Brussels

These quirky and unusual museums hidden around Brussels tell stories you won’t find in the halls of Bozar or BELvue. From collections of underpants worn by celebrities to comic book figurines and the history of the city’s sewers, take the opportunity to learn something new by visiting one of these weird and wonderful destinations.

1. Museum of Fantastic Art

Museum

A museum filled with wonder … but not for the faint of heart. Here you find crazy, scary and simply strange artwork, from the biography of the Elephant Man to works such as ‘Les Momies de Mato Grosso.’ The extensive permanent collection gives you a chance to get to know artists working in fantasy, while the temporary exhibitions offer a fresh look at the surreal and weird. Don’t miss the Halloween Festival during All Saints week when the Museum of Fantastic Art goes all out.

Hours: Sat-Sun 2-5 p.m. (May-September)

Price: 6€ (Free on the first Sunday of every month)

2. Museum of Original Figurines

Museum

The MOOF museum is all about the ninth art in 3D. There’s something for the amateur as well as the avid comic book fan to be found here. Entire rooms are dedicated to Japanese manga, American comics and Flemish comic book culture. Moreover, you can learn something more about the development stages of creating a comic. So instead of visiting the famous Comics Art Museum, give this a try instead.

Hours: Tue-Sun 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Price: 6€

3. Street Light Museum

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The Street Light Museum takes a look at the history of urban lighting. It highlights the design and the technical and artistic innovations which marked Brussels’s history by focusing on 20 original street lamps. This is an open-air museum, so you can visit day and night free of charge.

Hours: Mon-Sun 12 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Price: Free

Underwear Museum

Founded by the filmmaker of The Sexual Life of the Belgians, Jan Bucuoy’s Underwear Museum is perhaps the quirkiest museum on the list. Following the philosophy that all men are equal, Bucuoy gathered underwear worn by Belgian celebrities from the Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders to Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur and put it on display in De Dolle Mol café. Those interested in paying a visit to the museum can now view these famous undergarments at Chez Claude.

4. Fencing Museum

Museum, Park

Belgium, Brussels, triumphal arch of the Cinquantenaire Palace

There are two fencing museums in the world, located in France and Belgium. However, the Brussels Fencing Museum is the only museum devoted to fencing as an Olympic discipline. It displays a large collection of medals, weapons and equipment. If you’re a fan of fencing, this museum is a must-visit.

Hours: On appointment, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

5. Police Museum

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If you’ve ever felt curious about the Belgian police force, this museum will satisfy your questions on anything from uniforms to the history of the various brigades from the end of the 18th century onward.

Hours: On appointment only, from Mon-Fri 9-12am/1-4:30pm

Price: Free

6. Sewers Museum

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Definitely off the beaten track, the Sewers Museum leads visitors through a stretch of the actual sewage network of Brussels, explaining the history of the sewage system and the vital tasks performed by the people who work in sewage that keep the city up and running.

Hours: On appointment, Wed-Sat 10am-5pm

7. Museum of Erotics and Mythology

Museum

This extensive private collection of erotic art takes the visitor from the Ancient Greeks to the modern age, showcasing sculptures, paintings and other curiosities from all over the world. You’ll discover everything you ever wanted to know about sexuality and sensuality across the ages at the Museum of Erotics and Mythology.

Hours: Mon 2-8pm, Thu-Fri 2-8pm & Sat-Sun 11am-5:30pm

Price: 10€