The Comic Art Museum in Brussels (also known as the Belgian Comic Strip Center) is one of the city’s most fun “culture + architecture” wins: you get a deep dive into Belgian comics (the 9th art) inside a spectacular Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, originally the Waucquez Warehouse inaugurated in 1906.
If you want a Brussels attraction that works for adults, kids, and anyone who grew up on Tintin, the Smurfs, or classic Franco-Belgian albums, the Comic Art Museum is a very safe pick—especially on a rainy day.
Why the Comic Art Museum is worth it ✅
A museum and an Art Nouveau landmark in one ticket 🏛️
The museum explicitly positions itself in a “prestigious” Art Nouveau store by Victor Horta, with the building’s story tied to the Waucquez textile warehouse (1906).
It’s not one static exhibition
The Comic Art Museum emphasizes a mix of recently renewed permanent exhibitions plus a varied program of temporary exhibitions, so repeat visits can feel genuinely different.
It’s peak Brussels culture (comics are serious here) ✍️
Visit Brussels describes the Comic Art Museum as honoring the creators and heroes of comics for decades, with famous characters guiding visitors through the experience.
What to see inside the Comic Art Museum 🧭
1) “Horta first” (don’t skip the building)
Before you even go “full comics,” take 5 minutes to look at the big architectural elements: the museum highlights its Art Nouveau building and even has permanent content focused on Horta and the Waucquez Warehouse.
Quick habit: do one slow loop through the main hall, then start the exhibitions—your eyes will notice more details once you’ve got the space “mapped.”
2) The permanent exhibitions (your main route)
The Comic Art Museum frames its permanent exhibitions as regularly renewed and designed to explore the many facets of comic art.
If you’re visiting for classic Belgian characters, this is where you’ll get the core story.
3) Temporary exhibitions (the “bonus level”) 🆕
If the permanent galleries are the backbone, temporary exhibitions are the “extra flavor.” They’re especially worth it if you’ve already done Tintin/Smurfs-focused stops elsewhere in Brussels.
4) The on-site brasserie (a very Brussels detail) 🍽️
There’s a dedicated Horta Brasserie listed in the museum’s practical information—useful for a mid-visit reset or a post-museum snack.
How long to plan ⏱️
Here’s what typically works (without turning it into a whole-day marathon):
| Visit style | Time | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick highlights | 60–90 min | Tight schedule, kids with short attention spans |
| Proper visit ✅ | 2–2.5 hrs | Most visitors (best balance) |
| Slow + architecture + temp exhibits | 3 hrs | Comics fans + design/Art Nouveau lovers |
How to get there 🚇🚌🚆🚕
Address: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels.
Public transport (recommended) 🚇
The museum’s own guidance is simple: use the official STIB/MIVB trip planner and set your destination to “Brussels, Rue des Sables 20.”
Walking (easy city-center add-on) 🚶
Because it’s central, many visitors combine it with a city-center loop (Grand-Place → Galeries Saint-Hubert → Comic Art Museum → back toward the Royal Quarter).
Taxi / rideshare 🚕
Good if you’re trying to hit the museum right at opening or you’re traveling with kids (strollers + snacks + no patience for transfers).
Hours / Operating times ⏱️
The Comic Art Museum’s official hours are:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00–18:00
- Last admission: 17:00
- Christmas holidays: open 7 days a week
- Closed: 25/12 and 01/01
✅ Best rule: don’t arrive at 16:30 expecting a relaxed visit—last admission is 17:00, and the museum is much more enjoyable when you aren’t speed-running.
Tickets / prices / cards 💳
Official admission prices (EUR):
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | €14 |
| 65+ / 12–25 years | €11 |
| Children 6–11 | €6 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Teacher Card Belgium | €9 |
| Disability Card | -50% |
Groups (if you’re planning with friends) 👥
For groups from 15 people, the museum lists group pricing and notes that bookings are mandatory.
Tips / common mistakes ✅⚠️
- ✅ Start with the building, then the comics. The museum explicitly highlights the Art Nouveau/Horta identity—treat it as part of the “exhibition.”
- ⚠️ Arriving too late. Last admission is 17:00—plan your day around that.
- ✅ Use STIB’s planner instead of guessing lines. The museum itself tells you exactly how to route: enter Rue des Sables 20 as the destination.
- ✅ If you’re with kids: do a fast first loop (spot the familiar characters), then go back for details.
- ⚠️ Skipping temporary exhibitions because “we came for Tintin.” The museum’s programming is designed to show how wide comics culture really is.
FAQ
Is the Comic Art Museum the same as the Belgian Comic Strip Center?
Yes—the museum’s official site brands it as Comic Art Museum – Brussels, and it’s commonly known as the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
What are the official opening hours?
Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00 with last admission at 17:00.
How much are tickets?
Adults €14; reduced categories are listed on the museum’s official fee page.
Who designed the building?
The museum states the Art Nouveau store/building was designed by Victor Horta and inaugurated in 1906 as the Waucquez Warehouse.
Conclusion
The Comic Art Museum is one of Brussels’ most “effortless” attractions: iconic Belgian culture (comics) inside a must-see Victor Horta Art Nouveau building. Plan around the 17:00 last admission, start with the architecture, then enjoy the permanent + temporary exhibitions at your own pace—and you’ll leave with a better sense of why Brussels is the capital of the 9th art.
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