The Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels are the city’s most efficient “serious art” stop: one ticket can cover the Old Masters Museum and the Magritte Museum, letting you combine classical painting and surrealism in a single visit.
What makes the Royal Museums of Fine Arts especially practical is how central they are (near Brussels Central) and how clearly they publish the essentials: opening hours, transport, and a simple ticket structure (Old Masters / Magritte / combo).
What are the Royal Museums of Fine Arts? 🗺️
The museum group includes several sites, but most visitors focus on the Old Masters Museum (main entrance on Rue de la Régence 3) and the Magritte Museum (at Place Royale 2).
There are also the Meunier Museum and the Wiertz Museum in Ixelles; note that the Wiertz Museum is currently closed for renovation and is scheduled to reopen in 2026.
What to see (a smart, time-efficient plan) ✅
Start with Magritte if you want the “wow” early 🧠🎩
If Magritte is your main reason, begin there while your attention is fresh. Then use the internal flow or simply continue your day into the Old Masters side.
Old Masters for depth (and a calmer pace) 🖼️
Old Masters is the perfect second act: slower viewing, more “museum rhythm,” and a great contrast to Magritte’s visual puzzles.
Two visit styles that work
- 2 hours: Magritte highlights + a curated Old Masters stroll
- 3–4 hours: Magritte + Old Masters with time to actually read labels and pause
How to get there 🚆🚇🚋🚌
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts are easiest via Brussels Central Station (train), then a short walk.
Public transport options listed by the museum:
- Train: Brussels Central Station (Gare Centrale)
- Metro: lines 1 or 5 (Parc or Gare Centrale)
- Tram: lines 92 or 93 (stop: Royale)
- Bus: lines 33, 38, 71, 95 (stop: Royale) + lines 29, 63, 65, 66 (stop: Parc or Gare Centrale)
Hours / Operating times ⏱️
For the Old Masters Museum and the Magritte Museum, the official opening hours are:
- Tue–Fri: 10:00–17:00
- Weekends: 11:00–18:00
- Closed: Monday
Tickets / prices / cards 💳
Here’s the simplest way to think about ticketing: choose Old Masters, Magritte, or the combo.
Ticket table (permanent collections)
| Ticket type | Adult | Senior (65+) / Group (15+) | Student / eligible reduced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Masters | €10 | €8 | €3 |
| Combi: Old Masters + Magritte | €15 | €10 | €5 |
| Magritte Museum | €10 | €8 | €3 |
| Wiertz / Meunier | Free | Free | Free |
Source: official RMFAB admission list.
Free entry moments ✅
- Free admission to all museums on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 13:00 (not valid for temporary exhibitions).
Brussels Card ✅⚠️
- Brussels Card holders have free access to the permanent collections, not temporary exhibitions.
Audio guides 🎧
- Audio guides are listed at €4 (Old Masters and Magritte options).
Practical tips / common mistakes ✅⚠️
1) Don’t use the wrong entrance ⚠️
- Entrance via the Magritte Museum (Place Royale 2) is reserved for visitors who booked online.
- If you don’t have a ticket, go to the ticketing desk at the main entrance (Rue de la Régence 3).
2) Build in time for security + cloakroom delays ⏱️
The museums warn about extra security checks and possible delays at the entrance.
3) Travel light (especially with luggage) 🧳⚠️
Suitcases are only accepted in the cloakroom if smaller than 55×50×35 cm.
4) If you want both museums, just buy the combo 🎟️
The museum explicitly promotes a COMBI Old Masters + Magritte ticket as the clean one-ticket solution.
FAQ
Can I see Magritte and Old Masters on one ticket?
Yes—use the Combi Old Masters and Magritte Museum ticket.
What are the opening hours?
Tue–Fri 10:00–17:00, weekends 11:00–18:00, closed Monday.
Is Wiertz Museum open right now?
It’s currently closed for renovation and scheduled to reopen in 2026.
Do Brussels Card holders get in free?
Yes for permanent collections, but temporary exhibitions are not included.
Conclusion
If you want one “anchor museum” day in Brussels, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts are the most practical pick: central location, clear transport options, straightforward hours, and flexible ticketing (Old Masters, Magritte, or both). Go early, choose the correct entrance based on whether you booked online, and give yourself enough time to enjoy Magritte and still have energy for Old Masters.
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