All audiences, from 8–9 years old
Immerse yourself in the world of design at the Heysel
The Design Museum Brussels is Brussels’ 100% design museum : it tells the story of how everyday objects – chairs, lamps, radios, telephones, computers, toys, etc. – have become true icons, from the mid-20th century to the present day.
Its large permanent collection, the Plastic Design Collection, shows the relationship between design and plastics: from the “Golden Sixties” and their consumer boom to today’s issues of sustainability and recycling. You can see pieces by Verner Panton, Joe Colombo and Philippe Starck as well as ultra-everyday objects.
Design Museum Brussels in 5 points
- A 100% design museum
A place entirely dedicated to 20th and 21st century design, installed on 5,000 m² at the foot of the Atomium. - The Plastic Design Collection
A unique collection in the world on plastic design: several thousand objects, from pop gadgets to collector’s items, which tell the story of our relationship with objects and consumption. - Belgisch Belgian Design
A permanent space dedicated to Belgian design: furniture, lighting, objects, from the aftermath of the war to contemporary designers. - Various temporary exhibitions
In 2025–2026, for example:- Between Paris and Brussels. The Art Deco period of the Baucher-Féron couple (June 2025 – January 2026)
- Design & Comics: Living in a Box (October 2025 – March 2026), on the links between design and comics.
- Very practical with children and teenagers
Bright rooms, colors, amazing shapes, objects that are recognizable and others that are completely crazy: perfect for getting everyone talking.
Why we love it
- It’s very visual : pop colors, weird shapes, futuristic armchairs, first computers… Children quickly spot their favourite objects.
- We play “do you remember?” : adults recognize objects from their childhood, teenagers gently make fun of the “old design”… Atmosphere guaranteed.
- We talk about everyday life : plastic, recycling, the lifespan of objects, overconsumption… without lectures, just by observing.
- It’s an excellent break in the warmth between two big visits (Atomium, Mini-Europe) or a Christmas market.
- Modular visit : 1 hour if the children are tired, more if everyone is hooked.
The team’s opinion
The Design Museum Brussels is one of those places that you don’t necessarily think of first with children, and yet: it’s often a crush.
The youngest love the “cabinet of curiosities in color” aspect and the funny objects. Teenagers feel in a very “Instagrammable” setting. Adults, on the other hand, look at the same rooms with a different eye: childhood memories, reflection on plastic, the desire to redo their living room…
Practical information
- AGE : All audiences. Interesting from 8–9 years old. Teenagers and adults will easily find what they are looking for.
- OPENING HOURS : Open every day from 11am to 7pm. Ticket office closes and last entry at 6:30 p.m. Adaptations on certain public holidays (24 and 31 December: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- ADDRESS : Design Museum Brussels, Place de Belgique 1 1020 Brussels (Laeken)
- ACCESSIBILITY : Museum accessible to people with reduced mobility. Wide route, lifts, few steps.
Strollers welcome (they may have to be left in certain areas if they are crowded)
Questions
Yes, but it’s not a museum “with buttons everywhere”. Under 7–8 years of age, they mostly enjoy colors and shapes. From the age of 8–9, you can really talk to them about what they see.
Allow 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to see the permanent ones and take a look at the temporary exhibitions. If you like to take photos and read the signs, allow 2 hours.
Yes, and we recommend it! The museum is just a few minutes’ walk from the Atomium and Mini-Europe.
Yes: design-oriented shop (books, posters, small objects) and space to take a break. This is a good place to buy a “design” souvenir of Brussels.
The permanent ones (Plastic Design Collection, Belgisch Design Belge) remain, but the temporary exhibitions are rotating: in 2025–2026, for example, an Art Deco exhibition and an exhibition on the link between design and comics.
Just a stone’s throw from Brussels Expo, you will also like…
KANAL – Centre Pompidou (opening scheduled for the end of 2026):
A huge future museum of modern and contemporary art installed in the former Citroën garage, on the banks of the canal. While waiting for the full opening, the foundation is already offering programming in temporary spaces. An idea to keep in your sights for the next few years if you like industrial architecture, large installations and very contemporary art.
BOZAR – Centre for Fine Arts:
A major cultural centre in the heart of Brussels (Horta building), BOZAR organises art, architecture and photography exhibitions all year round, as well as concerts, cinema and immersive installations. Perfect for mixing design, visual arts and music in the same place.
WIELS – Contemporary Art Centre:
Located in a former modernist brewery in Forest, WIELS offers temporary exhibitions by Belgian and international artists, often very committed and experimental. It’s the right spot for teenagers and adults who like contemporary art that “shakes things up”.
