Tin Tin, the Smurfs, Belgium and comics go hand-in-hand! Everything you need to know you can learn right here. Get lost in the exhibitions in this beautiful Art Deco building, then head to the library and get your hands on a few comics.
The Comics Art Museum (aka “The Belgian Comic Strip Center”) opened its doors in 1989. Since then, it has become one of the most popular comic museums in Europe. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that such a gem would be in Belgium: after all, there are about 700 comic strip authors in the country (nowhere else are there more per square meter!).
- Magic before you even enter: the splendid Art Deco building that houses the Comics Art Museum was designed by architect Victor Horta. The building alone makes the museum well-worth a visit.
- Among the permanent exhibitions of the museum are “The Invention of The Comic Strip” and “The Art of Comic Strip”. You’ll also learn more about Hergé, the Belgian cartoonist who created the famous Tin Tin (The Hergé Area) and Peyo, who we all have to thank for creating The Smurfs (The Peyo Exhibition).
- The temporary exhibitions (on the third floor of the building) are usually dedicated to a particular artist, movement or theme. Check their website to know more about what’s on display now!
- During your journey, you’ll learn about many world famous characters but also discover some Belgian national treasures. By the end of your visit you’ll be familiar with the history of Tintin, Spirou, Bob and Bobette, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Blake and Mortimer, Marsupilami, and many others.
Learn by reading
The museum is also home to a few incredible libraries.
- The Reading Room contains over 7,000 albums. Most are available in French but you can find some translations (0.50€ for entry).
- The Documentation Room holds over 60,000+ works! You can only view the work in the room and have to reserve beforehand (you can send an email or call +32 02 210 04 35 from W to Sa between 11:00 and 18:00). Check out their catalogue online before you head there.
Tips and Tricks
- The signs at the museum are in English, French and Flemish, but most of the comics are unfortunately only in French.
- QR codes available for translations in German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese (included in the entrance fee).
- Check out the gift shop on site for some very interesting gadgets and comics.
- If you book at least two weeks in advance, you can enjoy a guided tour of the museum. More info here.
- Fancy an online tour? The Comics Art Museum is the first Belgian museum to be completely accessible via Google Maps Street View.
- Score your tickets for the Belgian Comic Strip Center and all the other museums Brussels has to offer with the Brussels Card: with 24, 48, or 72 hours of discounts!
Getting there
- By Car: 150 m walk from City Parking (Boulevard Pacheco).
- By Train: short walk away from Brussels Central Station (Bruxelles-Central) and Brussels North Station (Gare du Nord).
- By Metro/Tram: Rogier stop; lines 2 or 6 (metro); lines 3 or 4 (tram)
W to Su, 10:00 to 18:00
All seasons
12€ for adults, Kids (under 12) 5€, special discount rates available
Open; national COVID guidelines apply.