Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels: Science and nature in one place

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels is the largest science museum in Belgium, with exhibits on the evolution of life, geology and the world of dinosaurs. It houses some of the country’s most important scientific collections, providing an opportunity to learn about the nature and history of our planet. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational events that will be of interest to both adults and children.

History of the Institute’s Creation

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels was founded in 1846 on the initiative of the naturalist Balthasar -Eugène Solvay. The initial purpose of the institute was to study and preserve the diverse natural collections representing the flora, fauna and geology of the region. Today, it is not just a museum, but an important research center that studies nature and ecology.

Here is a detailed list of key events in the history of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences:

• 1846 – The Institute was founded on the initiative of the Belgian naturalist Balthasar -Eugène Solvay, who sought to create a center for the study of natural collections and the conservation of the region’s biodiversity.
• 1851 – The first hall of the museum was opened, where part of the natural collections were presented, including minerals, plant and animal specimens. This gave the general public the opportunity to become acquainted with the natural heritage of the country.
• 1878 – The institute acquired a collection of fossil remains, among which dinosaur bones were discovered, which sparked interest in paleontology and gave impetus to the development of this area in the museum’s research activities.
• 1902 – Opening of a new exhibition with complete skeletons of iguanodons found in the coal mines of Bernissart in Belgium. This exhibition became a sensation and attracted a large number of visitors.
• 1948 – The scientific department was founded, within the framework of which research was conducted in the fields of ecology, biology and environmental protection. The Institute began to function as a research center.
• 1970s – Development and implementation of educational programs for schoolchildren and students, with the aim of popularizing science and environmental education.
• 1990s – Modernization of the museum with the addition of interactive exhibitions and multimedia displays, which made visiting the museum more attractive to tourists of all ages.
• 2007 – Opening of the exhibition dedicated to climate change and sustainable development. It presents exhibits that tell about modern environmental challenges and the importance of preserving nature.
• 2020 – The Institute launched a new exhibition covering climate change, biodiversity and human impact on nature to highlight pressing environmental issues.

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is not only a museum, but also a research centre that contributes to the understanding of the environment and its protection. Its halls display unique collections and tell the story of our planet, making it a popular destination for both tourists and scientists.

Interesting fact:

The museum houses one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in Europe, including rare and well-preserved Iguanodon skeletons dating back some 125 million years.

Main exhibitions and collections

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels is known for its unique collection, including Europe’s largest dinosaur exhibits, such as the Iguanodon. The museum also has a rich collection of paleontological fossils, minerals, meteorites, and rare species of flora and fauna. Most of the exhibits are presented in an interactive format, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of life on Earth.

Main collection

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels has a rich collection that covers various fields of science, from paleontology to mineralogy and biology. The collection began to form in the 19th century, when the institute began actively collecting and systematizing materials from various scientific expeditions and studies. Since then, the collection has expanded and updated, including not only exhibits brought from different parts of the world, but also original works by Belgian scientists. Today, the museum presents more than 30 million samples, including rare fossils, minerals and fauna.

The main exhibits of the collection:

• One of the most famous sections of the museum. Here you can see dinosaur reconstructions, as well as real fossils, which give an idea of what these giant creatures looked like millions of years ago.
• Minerals and Rocks. The collection contains samples of rare minerals and minerals from different parts of the Earth. Of particular interest is the hall with semi-precious stones, which are natural wonders.
• This section features exhibits that reflect the diversity of the Earth’s flora and fauna, including taxidermied rare and endangered species, as well as samples of ecosystems from different continents.
• Paleontology: Fossils are on display here that tell us about the development of life on Earth and the evolution of different species.

For tourists interested in natural sciences, a visit to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels is an unforgettable experience. You will be able to see unique exhibits that cannot be found elsewhere and gain deep knowledge about the world around us. Be sure to visit the museum to explore one of the most extensive collections in Europe.

Interesting fact:

The museum is home to Europe’s largest collection of dinosaurs, with reconstructions that literally come to life.

Temporary exhibitions

Temporary exhibitions allow visitors to immerse themselves in the study of nature and science, and offer unique and educational materials that change frequently to showcase the latest discoveries and research. Exhibitions are organized in close collaboration with international scientific institutions and often focus on significant environmental or cultural events.

Popular temporary exhibitions:

• Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time. This exhibition is dedicated to the ancient reptiles that once inhabited the Earth. With the help of interactive models and reconstructions, visitors can learn about the different types of dinosaurs, their evolution and extinction.
• Planet Earth: From its origins to the present day. The exhibition offers a fascinating journey through the history of our planet, showing the most important geological and climatic changes that have shaped its modern appearance.
• Ocean World: This exhibition focuses on marine life, including rare species of fish, corals and other marine life, and the importance of protecting the oceans for future generations.
• Man and Nature. This exhibition focuses on the interaction between humans and the natural environment. Here you can learn about how human activity affects biodiversity, as well as about projects aimed at restoring ecosystems.

If you want to not only get to know the natural wealth of the Earth, but also learn about the scientific achievements associated with it, visit the temporary exhibitions of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. These exhibitions will help you understand how scientific research can change our perception of the world. It is recommended to pay attention not only to paleontological and ecological exhibitions, but also to events related to nature conservation and climate change.

Interesting fact

The Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels is one of Europe’s leading scientific centres, home to one of the largest collections of fossils.

Research activities

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels is not only a museum, but also an active research institution in various fields of science. The main focus is on ecosystems, environmental change and biodiversity. The institute conducts many projects aimed at studying the history of the Earth, the study of dinosaurs and other fossil species, as well as modern research in the field of ecology and sustainability of ecosystems.

Popular research areas:

• Paleontology: The study of fossils, including work on dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. The museum’s exhibits include many reconstructions and real remains, which help deepen our understanding of biological evolution on the planet.
• Ecology and climate change. Scientists conduct research on monitoring climate change and its impact on the biosphere, which is especially relevant in the context of global warming.
• Mineralogy and Geology: The study of the Earth’s structure and its minerals, including rare specimens, allows scientists to better understand the geological past and the modern processes that affect our planet.
• One of the priority tasks is the study of flora and fauna, as well as work to preserve endangered species, which allows for a significant contribution to the protection of natural resources.

It is possible to participate in the institute’s research through volunteering or internship programs. There are also opportunities for students and scientists interested in ecology, paleontology or biological sciences to collaborate with the institute. Such projects provide unique experience and the opportunity to contribute to global scientific research.

Interesting fact

The Museum of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences contains one of the largest collections of dinosaurs in Europe, including rare and almost completely preserved fossils.

How to get to the museum

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is located in a convenient area of Brussels, which is easily accessible by various means of transport. The museum is located in the city center, which makes it easy to reach by both public transport and by car. For tourists and city residents who do not want to waste time on long trips, this is an ideal place to visit, as it is well connected to the main transport routes.

List of routes:

• By bus. Routes: 71, 95 – stop at Rue Vautier, a few minutes’ walk from the institute.
• By trolleybus. Route 94 – stop at Rue de la Loi, about 5 minutes walk to the museum.
• By tram. Route 92 – stop at Rue de la Science, from which it is also easy to reach the institute on foot.
• By car. By car you can get there via the streets Rue Vautier or Rue de la Science. There are several parking lots in the area, both on the street and underground.
• On foot. If you are in the centre of Brussels, the institute is conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from the Merode metro station (line 5).

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is conveniently located in the central part of Brussels, making it easily accessible for anyone wishing to visit. If you are travelling by car, consider the availability of parking spaces in the surrounding area. In addition, other interesting attractions of the city can be found nearby, such as the Cinquantenaire Park and the famous Atomium, making the area ideal for walking and exploring.

Interesting fact:

Brussels Card, a tourist card that provides discounts on entrance fees and transport.

Opening hours, ticket prices and contact information

For those planning to visit the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, it is important to know that opening hours and ticket prices may change, so it is better to check the official website for up-to-date information. Here you will also find news about temporary exhibitions and events that take place at the museum.

Opening hours:

• Monday: closed.
• Tuesday–Sunday: 9:30–17:00.

Ticket prices:

• Adults: €9.
• Children (under 12): free.
• Students and pensioners: €6.
• Group tickets and temporary exhibitions are charged separately.

Contact information:

• Address: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
• Official website: http://www.scienceinstitute.be.
• Phone: +32 2 627 42 11.

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences offers a rich educational space for the whole family. It is the perfect place to learn about natural sciences, the history of our planet and its unique inhabitants. Even if you have been here before, the museum constantly updates its exhibitions, offering new topics to explore.