Musee Art et Histoire (Art and History Museum), Brussels

The Museum of Art & History may have a simple name, but it boasts an impressive and diverse collection from around the globe, spanning from Greece to modern-day Peru. Visitors are often drawn to the stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces, showcased in display cases designed by Victor Horta. Other galleries are dedicated to Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque art, as well as a rotating collection of tapestries. A whole gallery showcases clocks and astronomical instruments, and there's a charming collection of 35 painted sledges from the 1930s and '40s.

The extensive collection of antiquities encompasses ancient Egyptian treasures, including ten mummies and sarcophagi, along with a substantial assortment of Belgian artifacts dating back to the earliest human settlements in the region. However, the standout attraction is the Roman Syrian gallery, featuring a large and vivid mosaic from AD 415 depicting the hunting of tigers and lions being pursued by dogs.

The Non-European Civilizations section offers an even more impressive array, featuring pre-Columbian art, Native American headdresses, Jainist, Hindu, and Buddhist deities, Chinese ceramics, rare Islamic textiles, Byzantine art, and Coptic fabrics. One of the most striking exhibits is the Easter Island sculpture, a massive 6-tonne stone giant collected during a Franco-Belgian expedition in the 1930s, which seems somewhat out of place but adds to the museum's eclectic charm.

For fans of Tintin, the museum is a must-visit, as it inspired several elements in Hergé's famous comic series. Notably, a skeleton mummy served as inspiration for 'The Seven Crystal Balls', and 'The Broken Ear' drew from a wooden votive figure on display in the galleries.

Why You Should Visit:
Exceptional permanent collection that caters to history enthusiasts and art lovers alike, as well as an outstanding rotation of temporary exhibitions.
Good on-site restaurant with reasonable prices and a diverse menu of food & drinks, and the gift shop is quite spacious, offering a wide array of items to suit every taste and preference.

Tips:
To make the most of your visit, it's advisable to plan what you want to see in advance, as the museum's vast collection can be overwhelming.
If you're not fluent in French or Dutch, consider getting the English-language audioguide (available for an additional €3).
After your visit, you can enjoy a short stroll to Rue Balliard, where you'll find Grand Central, with its two floors of buffet-style dining open from morning until late at night.