A Symphony of Surprises: Exploring the Museum of Musical Instruments in Brussels

If you’ve always thought that musical instruments are just boring violins and flutes, or if you were convinced that no drum in the world could surprise you with its shape or sound, you should definitely visit my favorite place in Brussels—the Museum of Musical Instruments, where various pieces of art amaze and look like they were taken from the weirdest fantasies of Leonardo da Vinci.

Located in the heart of the city, this museum is housed in a beautiful Art Deco or Art Nouveau building. The black iron facade and large, stunning windows make everyone stop for a moment, whether you’re a tourist visiting Brussels or a local who’s lived here for years. For those interested in architecture, various original decorations, as well as building plans, are displayed on one of the five floors open to visitors. In my opinion, the plans weren’t as fascinating as the rest of the museum, but since it’s all in the same building, it doesn’t take much time, and I’d recommend stopping by this floor at least for the marvelous view from the upstairs windows.

Don’t let the old building fool you, though—this museum is a treasure not only for those who love classical sounds and shapes but also for everyone looking for something quirky and refreshing.

The museum houses over 7,000 instruments of various types, and honestly, before visiting, I had no idea so many types of instruments even existed in the world. The collection spans centuries and continents, from the oldest artifacts from the prehistoric era (20,000-year-old instruments made of bones) to ancient Egypt, China, Mexico, Sudan, and Europe with its pianos and accordions. The most modern instruments include synthesizers that use electromagnetic waves, which were so beloved at the beginning of the 20th century and used during seances for summoning ghosts.

There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a musician, ethnographer, adventurer, or simply a history nerd. Those with more classical preferences will surely stop longer to admire the world’s largest collection of pianos for two players with two keyboards—a trend from the 17th (or maybe 18th) century, if I remember correctly.

One of the highlights is the collection of historical European instruments. Ever seen a serpent? No, not the animal—I’m talking about the wind instrument that looks like a snake ate a trombone and then got stuck in a pretzel. It’s bizarre, shockingly exciting to see, and even more interesting to hear. Yes, that’s the most fascinating part of the visit—when you enter the museum, you receive headphones with a tiny tablet. You can scan the QR code next to each instrument to hear how it sounds. Imagine listening to 7,000 of them! You could easily spend an entire day in the museum.

I’m sure no one will get bored there, but for me, the most interesting section was on floor -1, which I could easily name “WTF?!” Let me just say that I couldn’t help myself, and a few times, Belgium witnessed me dancing with headphones on in the corridors. I’d have to be dead inside to stay calm with those sounds filling my ears.

Once you’ve spent half a day in the museum and start to feel tired, step outside to relax in one of the lovely small cafés nearby, take a walk in the park next to the Royal Palace (the representative palace—the one where the Royal Family lives permanently is slightly outside the city, closer to the Atomium), or, if you still have energy, visit the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts or the Magritte Museum, both located right next door. These also require half a day to explore, so don’t expect to leave until closing time. If you don’t feel like walking much, just take the elevator to the top floor of the building, where you’ll find a small, cozy cafeteria with a spectacular view. Just be prepared for slightly higher prices.

Visiting the Museum of Musical Instruments in Brussels is a must-see, right up there with the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, or the Atomium. Perhaps it’s the least known on the list, but it certainly deserves its place alongside the rest.

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