We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Musical Instruments Museum (Musee des Instruments de Musique)

Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, Brussels 1000, Belgium
32 (02) 545-0130
Update attraction details
Ranked #8 of 180 attractions in Brussels
Type: Speciality Museums
Activities: Dining, City walk sightseeing
Owner description: As soon as it opened at the end of the 19th century, the luxurious Old England department store earned an excellent reputation for its highly... more » Owner description: As soon as it opened at the end of the 19th century, the luxurious Old England department store earned an excellent reputation for its highly distinctive building. The entrance to the building is a jewel of the Art nouveau style while the rest is in perfect harmony with the neoclassical ensemble on the Place Royale, and just around the corner from the Grand Place and Central Station, no less! It's here in this architectural gem that the MIM took up residence in June 2000. The museum's reputation is mainly built on its extraordinary collections. With a wealth of some 7000 instruments, the MIM is currently an internationally renowned instrumental museum. Once inside, you'll embark on a true tour of the musical world. After your trip past the some 1500 pieces on exhibit, the instruments and their history will no longer hold any secrets: from viole da gamba from the Court of Brussels to the 20th century theremin, and even including the African kora! And be sure not to miss our area devoted to the instruments of Adolphe Sax. The MIM is nothing other than a place to experience music. An infrared headphone system allows each visitor to explore the thematic tours to the tune of the melodious sound of the instruments presented. Translation is no problem. Everyone knows that music is a universal language. « less
Write a Review

516 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    274
    152
    72
    16
    2
Date Rating
Malaysia
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

The whole experience was nice and magical. It was lovey to listen to the various instruments of the world. But it was a little misleading because they put a whole array of instruments in front and then played some music which may or may not have included the instruments shown in front. Nevertheless it was an experience not to be... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Odense
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

I was really disappointed here. Basically, as an English speaking visitor, you're left with very little information. All you can do is listening to sounds of different exotic musical instruments. There is no metalevel in the information so it ends up being pretty boring. Lots of potential, but it is unfulfilled.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

Visiting the museum mostly for the amazing art noveau building, we also decided to visit the museum itself. It was fun! Are you the least interested in music and sounds, take some time to discover the nice collection of instruments found here. And don't miss taking a lunch on the amazing and popular terrace (but be there early since it... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Fiffilorum for Brussels
Canada
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

A museum entirely devoted to European instruments through the ages, with a unique audio guide that plays the music of the instrument you are In front of. I also loved the "Old England" art nouveau building which houses the museum, and the view from the rooftop restaurant ( which was completely booked, so I did not eat there) is superb.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by GlobetripperCanada for Brussels
Sydney, Australia
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2013

Lots of unique instruments and you receive a headset that gives you a recording of almost everyone. Hundreds of instruments to listen too. Not much written Information only name of instrument and the year so if your not interested in listening to music then probably not worth it.

Was this review helpful? Yes
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

The museum is housed in an incredible Art Nouveau building which is worth a visit on its own merits. As a musician it was great to be able to view the fantastic collection and interesting to see some of the old folk instruments together with weird and wonderful inventions which didn't survive the test of time alongside those, like saxophones,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Colin F for Brussels
Bucharest, Romania
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
34 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

Even if I was a lit bit sceptic at the beginning, now I thing this is one of the best museums in Brussels. Free audio guides which start playing the songs of the near exposed musical instruments. A representative exposition of musical instruments from all around the world. A lit bit disappointed of the personnel of the museum's restaurant. I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Eugenem21 for Brussels
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

Excellent sound quality on headphones,transports you right there.Great atmosphere well worth the trip.Great Roof Top Restaurant with almost 360d views of the city.Ok price.Patron very warm and welcoming.hikltonron.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by hiltonron for Brussels
Arlington, VA
Top Contributor
101 reviews 101 reviews
64 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

For only 8 Euro you get four galleries filled with antique and unusual instruments from all over the world. Beautiful and fun to wonder through. Audio tour is music only, programed to play a clip of the instrument you are standing in front of. Names and dates are in English, but the rest of the wall plaque information is not.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by ARL2601 for Brussels
Kula, HI
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2013

We had no idea what we were in for when we decided to try this museum. We just wanted to get inside the cool building. This ranks up there with the best we have ever visited. The audio system for listening to the instruments is delightful!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Bee001 for Brussels

Travellers who viewed Musical Instruments Museum (Musee des Instruments de Musique) also viewed

 

Been to Musical Instruments Museum (Musee des Instruments de Musique)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Musical Instruments Museum (Musee des Instruments de Musique), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing