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Free museums in Belgium: today, this weekend, first Sunday

Free museums in Belgium: today, this weekend, first Sunday

Posted by DealsPlus

Where and when to visit free museums in Brussels and Wallonia: today, this weekend, first Sunday, first Wednesday after 1 pm. Family tips, by area, official links.

Looking for free museums in Brussels today or this weekend? This guide gathers the best free museum options and the recurring free slots that matter most: first Sunday of the month and first Wednesday after 1 pm for some Brussels institutions. You’ll also find ideas by city (Brussels, Liège, Mons, Charleroi, Namur…), by audience (free museums for kids, students, families) and by type (art, history, design, unusual). Always check the official museum page right before you go: free access is usually for permanent collections, temporary exhibitions may be excluded, and some places require free day tickets or booking with quotas.

Key sources to monitor: – Arts&Publics (FWB – first Sunday): https://artsetpublics.be/programmes/le-guide-des-musees-gratuits/
– Guide 2024–2025: https://artsetpublics.be/actualites/guide-des-musees-gratuits-telechargez-ledition-2024-2025/
– Brussels-Capital Region (round-up): https://be.brussels/en/leisure-culture-sport/free-leisure/free-museums
– Brussels Museums (updated lists): https://www.brusselsmuseums.be/en/news/free-museums-in-brussels
– visit.brussels (first Sundays / first Wednesdays):
• https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/what-to-do/brussels-on-a-budget/free-museums-on-the-first-sunday-of-the-month
• https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/what-to-do/brussels-on-a-budget/free-museums-on-the-first-wednesday-of-the-month

When it’s (actually) free

  • First Sunday of the month — Brussels & Wallonia
    Hundreds of institutions participate, mostly with permanent collections. Use Arts&Publics to confirm who’s in on the next date and to filter by city or museum type.

  • First Wednesday after 1 pm — selected Brussels museums (RMFAB + Magritte, etc.)
    Free access to permanent collections from 13:00; temporary shows are usually excluded and same-day free tickets may be required due to quotas.

  • Occasional free evenings and special openings
    Some museums add one-off free nights or themed open days. Check Brussels Museums and the Region’s listings for fresh opportunities.

Remember: “free” refers to the entry ticket. Temporary exhibitions, guided tours or special events may still be charged. Always verify opening hours, reservation rules and what’s included on the official page.

Find a free museum today or this weekend in Brussels

If you need something today or this weekend, start with the recurring slots (first Sunday, first Wednesday after 1 pm), then scan institutional calendars for pop-up free evenings. For easy logistics, pick free museums near Grand-Place or near Mont des Arts so you can combine two or three stops on foot — ideal for rainy-day plans or short family visits.

Brussels: frequent free options (with official links)

Typical first Sunday participants (reconfirm before your visit):

First Wednesday after 1 pm:

Stay updated

  • Brussels Museums: curated lists and news.
  • Brussels-Capital Region: city pages with official links.
  • visit.brussels: first Sundays / first Wednesdays selections.

Free museums for kids, students and families

  • Free museums for kids (Brussels & Wallonia) — interactive spaces and permanent collections are great for first visits without pressure. Check family-friendly programming on first Sundays.
  • Free museums for students — some institutions require a €0 ticket or a pre-booking even when access is free; confirm conditions.
  • Family visits — combine two nearby institutions and aim for quieter slots (mornings, or first Wednesday after 1 pm for RMFAB/Magritte).

Which free museum to choose? (art, history, design, unusual)

  • Free art museums in Brussels — take advantage of the permanent collections during defined free slots for a relaxed discovery.
  • Free history museums — perfect for educational outings, particularly on first Sundays.
  • Unusual free museums — off-beat routes are often less crowded and fun this weekend.
  • Fashion & design — watch out for free late openings or special evenings.

Free museums by city (Brussels & major Walloon cities)

Brussels — For a first time, pick the best free museums around Grand-Place and Mont des Arts. Popular queries to target: free museums Brussels today, free museums Brussels this Sunday, when are museums free in Brussels.

Liège — First Sunday is your main bet; search free museums in Liège and double-check permanent-collection access.

Mons — Compact loops on foot in the historic center; confirm with free museums Mons.

Charleroi — Short, family-friendly stops on first Sundays; search free museums Charleroi for current hours.

Namur — Combine two free museums in Namur in the morning and keep the afternoon flexible.

Wallonia (FWB): first Sunday = broad free access

In Wallonia and the French Community (FWB), first Sundays provide the widest public free access (usually permanent collections only). Use:

Tip: pick a city (Liège, Mons, Charleroi, Namur, Bastogne), open Arts&Publics, and chain 2–3 museums within walking distance.

Flanders: no unified “first Sunday” (Antwerp case)

Antwerp ended the “last Wednesday free for all” policy. Residents with an A-kaart get free entry on the first Tuesday of the month at several city museums (MAS, Plantin-Moretus, DIVA, Red Star Line, Mayer van den Bergh, …).

Always free: Middelheim Museum (open-air sculpture park).

Bottom line for Flanders: free access is case-by-case (specific parks/museums, resident benefits, cards). Always check the official museum page.

Don’t pay by mistake — quick checklist

  • Target the right slot: first Sunday (Brussels + Wallonia) and first Wednesday 13:00 for RMFAB/Magritte; look for special free evenings.
  • Scope: free is often permanent collections only; temporary shows may be paid.
  • Booking & quotas: some places require a free same-day ticket.
  • Timing: arrive early; plan 30–90 minutes per museum; public transport is your friend.

Ready-made free itineraries

  • Sunday in central Brussels — Brussels City Museum (Maison du Roi) → GardeRobe MannekenPis → Sewer Museum. All regularly first Sunday; reconfirm times.
  • Wednesday afternoon — Fine Arts & Magritte — Start 13:00 at RMFAB, then Magritte Museum if capacity allows.
  • Wallonia first Sunday — Choose a city (Liège, Mons, Charleroi, Namur, Bastogne), filter Arts&Publics, and plan 2–3 museums close together.

FAQ (popular searches)

What are the best free museums in Brussels today?
Start near Grand-Place or Mont des Arts; pick two permanent collections with confirmed free slots.

Are first Wednesdays after 1 pm worth it?
Yes, especially for the permanent collections at RMFAB/Magritte; arrive early due to quotas.

Where can I find a list of free museums this weekend in Brussels?
Check Brussels Museums and the Region’s pages; institutions also announce occasional free evenings.

Are there free museums for kids in Brussels?
Yes. Several family-friendly institutions offer free access at fixed times, notably on first Sundays.

Which Walloon cities have free museums this Sunday?
Look at Liège, Mons, Charleroi, Namur and verify via Arts&Publics.

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