Looking for culture for €0? In Brussels, on the first Sunday of every month, a nice selection of museums opens for free. Perfect for alternating child-sized exhibitions and walks in the city, without heating up the menu.
On the 1st Sunday, Brussels becomes a real museum festival : just choose 1–2 places adapted to the age of your children, add a walk or a playground and you have a 100% free day. Slip in the water bottle, a windbreaker, and enjoy your family visit!
Free on the 1st Sunday of the month in 2025
- October 5, 2025
- November 2, 2025
- December 7, 2025
Free on the 1st Sunday of the month in 2026
- January 4, 2026
- February 1, 2026
- March 1, 2026
- April 5, 2026
- May 3, 2026
- June 7, 2026
- July 5, 2026
- August 2, 2026
- September 6, 2026
- October 4, 2026
- November 1, 2026
- December 6, 2026
How does it work?
On the 1st Sunday, admission is free to several Brussels museums (sometimes only the permanent collections).
The list evolves over the year; Always check the museum’s page just before you go.
Many places are centred around the Grand-Place or the Place Royale : ideal for building a walking route.
Prepare for your 1st Sunday (express checklist)
- Arrive early (or late afternoon) – some venues have an early last entry .
- Book when offered (Sewers, one-off workshops): free ≠ without gauge.
- Check “permanent vs. temporary” – free may only be for the permanent collection.
- Stroller-friendly : City Museum, GardeRobe, BELvue and Design Museum are easy with toddlers.
11 museums to visit as a priority with the family
1) Brussels City Museum – King’s House (Grand-Place)
Housed in the iconic Maison du Roi, this museum tells the story of Brussels through key objects (the original statue of Manneken-Pis), models, paintings and the history of the Grand-Place. Free every 1st Sunday, last entry often in the middle of the afternoon: perfect to start the day and then go and say hello to Manneken two streets away.
2) Wardrobe MannekenPis (rue du Chêne)
More than 1,100 costumes of the most famous ketje! Children love to compare outfits (firefighters, samurai, football…). Free admission on the 1st Sunday; short and fun format: ideal before/after the Grand-Place.
3) Fashion & Lace Museum (near the Stock Exchange)
Very visual temporary exhibitions (from lace to Belgian designers), neat scenes and compact routes. Perfect when it rains. Free on the 1st Sunday.
4) Sewer Museum (Porte d’Anderlecht)
An unusual descent under the city to understand the Senne, the water and the underground life. Models, footbridges, “yuck” anecdotes that fascinate children. Free on the 1st Sunday ; Guided tours often offered (limited places).
5) BELvue (Place Royale)
The history of Belgium told by theme (democracy, solidarity, migration, etc.) with children’s play trails from 3 years old. Free on the 1st Sunday (and, bonus, on Wednesday afternoons all year round).
6) Design Museum Brussels (Heysel)
Temple of Design and Plastics (PDC): colours, shapes and iconic objects that speak to children. Free on the 1st Sunday for the permanent collections (ticket to be collected on site). Combine with a photo of the Atomium or a picnic at Osseghem Park.
7) Art and Margins Museum (Marolles)
A child-sized museum that celebrates “outsider” artists: inventive, accessible and often surprising works. Free on the 1st Sunday (beware of assembly periods between exhibitions).
8) Erasmus House & Beguinage (Anderlecht)
One of the oldest Gothic houses in Brussels, its peaceful garden and, nearby, the Beguinage: a real timeless interlude. Free on the 1st Sunday ; occasional visits possible.
9) The Foundry – Brussels Museum of Industries and Labour (Molenbeek)
Machines, archives and workers’ stories to tell the story of the city that manufactures. Free on the 1st Sunday ; Many family workshops throughout the year (on registration, paid or free depending on the program).
10) Wittockiana – Museum of Book Arts & Bookbinding (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)
Bindings, papers, book-objects: a graphic cabinet of curiosities. Free admission on the 1st Sunday — perfect with avid readers or creative teenagers.
11) CINEMATEK (spaces/experiences)
Depending on the period, the Royal Cinematheque offers an exhibition or spaces such as the Wunderkammer. The free admission on the 1st Sunday may vary (often in the afternoon/evening) and does not necessarily concern the screenings : check the month’s news before you get organized.
