Tintin Drawing — Hergé / Tintinimaginatio©

Are you a fan of comics?

Brussels is the world capital of comics and a real adventure playground for fans of boxes and bubbles.

From giant murals in the streets to interactive museums, the city is full of activities to enjoy with the family, for young and old alike.

Whether you’re coming for a weekend or living in Brussels, comics are part of the city’s DNA. Open-air frescoes, fascinating museums, creative workshops… There are a thousand ways to share this passion with children, while discovering Belgian history and culture!

Whether you’re a fan of Tintin, Spirou or more recent heroes, here are the comic book experiences not to be missed in Brussels.

1. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre

Housed in an Art Nouveau masterpiece, the Belgian Comic Strip Centre is the perfect base for exploring comics in Brussels. We go through the history of the 9th art, from the original plate to the making-of of an album, with Tintin, Spirouand the Smurfs as the headliners. The scenography is playful and bright, ideal for a visit in all weathers. The temporary exhibitions constantly renew the gaze, from classics to contemporary authors. We take the time to leaf through, photograph, and be inspired. An essential starting point for any “comics in Brussels” list.

RECOMMENDED DURATION: ~1 hour 30 minutes for a comfortable visit
FOR WHOM: families, children from ~6 years old, teenagers, comic book and Art Nouveau enthusiasts
FROM: €6 (children 6–11)
PRICE: free < 6 years · 11 € (young people 12–25 / seniors 65+) · 14 € adult
ADDRESS: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels
OPENING HOURS: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm (last admission 5pm) · Closed on Mondays (open on Mondays during school holidays) · Open 7 days a week in July–mid-August · closed 25/12 and 01/01

2. The comic strip trail: Brussels in the open air

In the open air, the city becomes a museum: monumental frescoes appear on street corners, a living tribute to comic book heroes. We follow a simple itinerary in the center and the neighboring districts, perfect for mixing urban strolls and graphic discoveries. Each wall tells a story, from Tintin to Gaston and other icons. It’s free, photogenic and accessible with children or strollers. Plan gourmet breaks between two painted walls, the atmosphere is 100% Brussels. The best way to anchor comics in the landscape and in the memory.

FOR WHOM: families, children from ~5 years old, fans of comics & street art, photographers stroller-friendly trail in the city center
ADDRESS: open-air course (city centre & Laeken)
HOURS: 24/7, outdoors; Perfect to combine with gourmet breaks.
RESERVATION: None for the free course
RECOMMENDED DURATION: 2–3 hours for a city centre loop (more if extended to Laeken).

3. The Hergé Museum (30 minutes from Brussels)

A short getaway from the capital, the Hergé Museum offers a masterful dive into the world of Tintin and his creator. The building, designed by a great architect , features originals, sketches and objects that shed light on Hergé’s method. We walk through the rooms like an album : rhythm, framing, humor, modernity. The labels are clear and multilingual, perfect for all audiences. Allow half a day from Brussels to enjoy the collectionswithout rushing. An inspiring interlude to understand where the magic of the clear line comes from.

FOR WHOM: families, children from ~7 years old, teenagers, Tintin fans and curious about architecture.

FROM: €5 (children 7–14) · Free < 7 years old · €7 (65+, students, large families, 15–18) · 12 € adult · 1st Sunday of the month: free
ADDRESS: Rue du Labrador 26, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
OPENING HOURS: Tue–Fri 10:30am–5:30pm (last admission 5pm) · Sat–Sun 10:30am–6pm (last admission 5:30pm) · Closed on Mondays and on 24/12, 25/12, 31/12, 01/01
RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes–2 hours
ACCESS FROM BRUSSELS: SNB/BS train to Louvain-la-Neuve Université (~40 min, €5–8).

Hergé Museum 30 minutes from Brussels — Didier Saillier ©

4. Other museums and comic book places to discover

Beyond the must-sees, Brussels is full of specialised bookshops, galleries of originals and shops dedicated to the 9th art. Push open the door of a comic book store to find rare editions, luxury prints and passionate advice. Take a tour of a gallery to see framed boards and understand the value of sequential art. The Tintin Shop, near the Grand-Place, extends the adventure with official objects and posters. Depending on the season, temporary exhibitions are also set up in museums and cultural centres. So many addresses that make you want to read, collectand come back.

Photo of the Tintin shop in Brussels — Tintin© Shop

5. The comic book event of the year: the BD Comic Strip Festival

Every year, Brussels celebrates comics during the BD Comic Strip Festival : exhibitions, meetings, signings and activities for all. You can meet authors, publishers and fans in a friendly and creative atmosphere. Families love the kids-friendly spaces and the introductory drawing workshops. The famous Balloon’s Day Parade puts the city in a frenzy with its giant characters. Keep an eye on the program to compose your ideal day between masterclasses and discoveries. The perfect opportunity to explore, in one weekend, all that is most alive about comics in Brussels .

Dates: from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September 2025.
Place: Gare Maritime – Tour & Taxis, Rue Picard, 1000 Brussels.

Comic Strip festival poster — Visit Brussels

Snowy Drawing — Hergé / Tintinimaginatio©

At the end of this journey, comics in Brussels are no longer a theme: they are a common thread that links museums, streets and encounters. Set the scene at the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, see a series of frescoes on the urban route, treat yourself to a trip to the Hergé Museum (30 minutes away) and stroll between specialised bookshops and galleries of originals.

Depending on the season, head to the BD Comic Strip Festival to experience signings, exhibitions and giant parades. Between two bubbles, waffle or chocolate in hand, let your favorite heroes guide your steps.

Now it’s up to you to write the next box in your Brussels history.