A museum that gives the fries
A stone’s throw from the Grand-Place and Manneken-Pis, the Fries Museum (Frietmuseum Brussels) takes young and old alike to 900M2 of fun exhibitions to learn all about the potato, “double” cooking and the Belgian passion for steaming cones; The tour ends with a real tasting of crispy fries in the medieval cellar — a guaranteed success with families!
Why do children love it?
- From the Andean potato to the Belgian cone : The route turns the story into an adventure: you cross a virtual potato field and then activate an XXL size French fry cutter press.
- Quizzes and gourmet challenges : Screens offer to recognize the smell of a sauce, beat the time of the “best peeler” or vote for the crispiest fries.
- The tasting rewards : In the basement, everyone receives a mini-cone; Kids choose their sauce from 10 varieties — always the school favorite!
The French Fries Museum in 4 points
- Impressive collection of more than 1,600 objects: old French fry cutters, vintage posters, reconstructed chip shacks.
- Discover the origins of the French fries, an invention proudly claimed by Belgium since the 18th century.
- Learn the key steps to a perfect French fry, from cutting the potatoes to double-cooking crispy.
- The Belgian fries have inspired artists, pubs, comics and even statues! It is part of the country’s living heritage.
The team’s opinion
Between its interactive screens, its multilingual audio guide and its final tasting, the French Fries Museum manages to transform a simple cone into a cultural and gourmet adventure; A short, cheap and 100% Belgian outing that we highly recommend to families on a city-trip!
Practical information
- AGE: from 4 years old
- DATES: Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
- OPENING HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day; Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.)
- ADDRESS: Location right in the center! Rue de l’Étuve 28, 120 m from Manneken-Pis.
- ACCESS: Metro 1/5 (Central Station), tram 3/4 (Bourse), bus 33 (Manneken-Pis)
- FAMILY SERVICES: free cloakroom, high chairs, changing tables, “sauces & goodies” shop
- OTHER INFORMATION: 900 m² of interactive spaces: touch screens, olfactory quizzes, sensory games.
Questions
A fun museum that traces the history of Belgian fries: origin of the potato, myths around fries, cooking techniques (including traditional double cooking) and fritkot culture, with interactive spaces for all ages
Yes, it’s designed for families (touch screens, quizzes, sensory games).
No, food and drinks are not allowed in the rooms. (Catering possible in the neighborhood.)
Yes, a tasting is offered at the end of the visit in some packages
On average 1 hour 30 minutes (often 60–90 minutes depending on your pace).
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