Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels: history, collections and visitor tips

The Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels tells the story of the region’s rich history and culture. It features unique exhibits covering nature, art, and the colonial era. The museum is also a platform for heritage discussions and contemporary cultural dialogue. Visitors will find educational materials as well as an impressive architectural complex that is worth seeing in person.

History of creation

The Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels was founded at the initiative of King Leopold II at the beginning of the 20th century. The museum was created as part of the 1897 World Exhibition and later became a repository of knowledge about Central Africa. Its main purpose was to showcase the cultural and natural diversity of the region, as well as to explore issues of colonial policy and its legacy for Belgium.

Key dates in history:

• 1897: King Leopold II initiated an exhibition on his Congo colony, which was held in the Tervuren pavilion at the Brussels World Exhibition. This pavilion became the starting point for the creation of the museum.
• 1910: The museum was officially opened in a purpose-built building designed by architect Charles Giraud. The focus was on the natural and cultural wealth of the Congo.
• 1920s: The museum’s collections were actively expanded thanks to scientific expeditions organized to Central Africa.
• 1952: The institution was renamed the Royal Museum of Central Africa. During this period, exhibitions focused on the economic importance of the African colonies.
• 1960: The museum experienced a crisis following the declaration of independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which required a revision of the exhibitions.
• 1980s: The museum began to participate in international scientific conferences and initiatives for the preservation of cultural heritage.
• 2000s: Work began on modernising the museum to rethink its role in the context of postcolonial discourse.
• 2013–2018: The museum’s reconstruction lasted five years and included renovation of the interiors, improvement of the infrastructure, and updating of the exhibits.
• 2018: Grand opening of the renovated museum, which now presents both the achievements of African cultures and a critical look at colonial history.
• 2020s: The museum has become a platform for cultural exchange, organizing events dedicated to African diasporas and issues of repatriation of exhibits.

Today, the Royal Museum for Central Africa is not only a place for storing unique collections, but also a scientific center. It actively participates in educational initiatives and international projects. The museum’s prospects are connected with the further development of research and drawing attention to complex issues of cultural heritage.

Interesting fact:

The museum has a botanical garden where you can see rare African plants.

Exhibitions and collections

The museum’s exhibitions offer a unique perspective on the history, culture and nature of Central Africa. Permanent exhibitions cover both the ethnographic and natural diversity of the region, showcasing artefacts, documents and scientific findings. Temporary exhibitions are updated regularly and focus on current issues, from African art to contemporary social issues. Each collection is presented with cultural and historical significance in mind, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the continent.

Permanent exhibitions

The permanent exhibitions of the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels reveal the diversity of the African continent’s nature, culture and history. They feature artefacts that reflect traditional arts, colonial times and contemporary developments in the region. The collections provide insight into Africa’s unique heritage and the challenges it faces.

Key exhibits:

• Traditional Masks and Figurines: A collection of unique masks from various African peoples used in rituals and celebrations. Each mask tells a story of local traditions and customs.
• Everyday objects: from wooden objects to ceramics, demonstrating the daily life of African communities.
• A collection of musical instruments: drums, flutes and other instruments illustrating the diversity of African music.
• Artifacts from the colonial period: documents, uniforms, maps illustrating Europe’s interaction with Africa.
• Minerals and rare plants: herbariums and mineral specimens showing the natural wealth of the region.
• Fauna of Africa: stuffed rare animals, including endangered species.
• Contemporary art: paintings, sculptures and installations by African artists reflecting the current problems and challenges of the continent.
• Interactive zone: multimedia installations that allow you to explore the geography and culture of Africa.
• Photo archives: black and white photographs from the late 19th – early 20th centuries.
• Cartographic exhibition: old maps of Africa illustrating the evolution of the perception of the continent in Europe.

Visitors are advised to pay attention to the ethnographic halls, where unique artifacts of African peoples are presented. Don’t miss the modern exhibitions, telling about the development of the continent. Exploring the museum will take several hours, so it is better to plan your route in advance.

Advice:

For a deeper understanding of African culture and history, we recommend taking an audio guide or joining a tour.

Temporary exhibitions

At the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels, temporary exhibitions offer the opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and natural resources of the African continent. These exhibitions focus on both traditional crafts and contemporary social and environmental issues. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that change every few months, making each visit unique.

List of temporary exhibitions:

• African Contemporary Art: Exploring the Influence of Traditions on Contemporary Art Movements.
• Ecology and Nature of Africa: dedicated to the flora, fauna and environmental challenges of the continent.
• Colonial Legacy: A look at the complex history of Belgium and Central Africa through artifacts and documents.
• Music and Dance of Africa: An interactive exhibition with musical instruments and video materials.
• Crafts and design: wood, textile and metal products reflecting the traditions of the peoples of Central Africa.

When visiting, it is recommended to find out about current temporary exhibitions on the museum’s official website in advance to create the best route. Most of the exhibits contain interactive elements that will be interesting for both adults and children. Visiting temporary exhibitions will allow you to delve into individual aspects of African culture and feel its versatility.

Interesting fact:

Many temporary exhibitions are accompanied by guided tours and lectures that help to gain a deeper understanding of their themes.

Unique artifacts of the museum

The Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels features unique artefacts that illustrate the nature, culture and history of the Central African countries. Rare household items, works of art, archival documents and exhibits related to the region’s natural resources are on display. These objects provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Africa’s characteristics and its contribution to world history.

List of unique artifacts:

• Leopard mask of the Pende people. A ritual mask from the DR Congo, decorated with beads and feathers. It was used in rituals and ceremonies related to hunting and initiation.
• Luba figurine. Wooden figure depicting a guardian spirit. Symbolizes power and wisdom, was used in royal rituals.
• Beni Drum: A unique, carved musical instrument that played an important role in traditional dances and ceremonies.
• Ivory collection. Carved items by Central African craftsmen, demonstrating a high level of artistic skill.
• Geographical maps from the colonial era. Documents created by Belgian explorers reveal old ideas about Central Africa.
• Hunting tools. Spears, bows and arrows used by African tribes.
• Palm textile fabric Cuba. Handmade from raffia with traditional ornaments.
• A collection of photographs and recordings documenting life in Central Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Amulets and charms of Baka. Small items used for protection from evil spirits.
• Zoological exhibits: Taxidermy specimens of animals from the region, such as rare species of birds and mammals.

Visitors are encouraged to take in both the museum’s historical and natural exhibits. Of particular interest are the collections of masks and ethnographic artifacts that tell of the region’s traditions and crafts. A walk through the museum’s halls will be an educational journey into the past that will complement the idea of Africa.

Interesting fact:

Masks from the museum’s collection were used in ritual ceremonies, symbolizing the connection with the spirits of nature.

Location, how to get there

The Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels is located in the commune of Tervuren, west of the city centre. The museum is well connected to major transport routes, making it accessible to both tourists and locals. It is located near major highways, which also makes it easy to travel by car. For the convenience of visitors, there are various ways to get there, both by public transport and by private car.

How to get there by public transport.

• Routes 27 and 36 from Brussels-Midi station to Tervuren stop, then walk to the museum.
• Line 94 to Tervuren stop, then 5-10 minutes walk.
• Tram 44 from Schuman Square to the Tervuren stop.
• Metro station on line 1, change to tram 44.
• By car: The museum is accessible from main roads, including the E411 motorway.
• On foot. The walk into town from Tervuren station takes about 10 minutes.

There is free parking on the museum grounds, but during periods of high tourist traffic parking spaces may be limited. In the immediate vicinity of the museum you can find other interesting places such as Tervuren Park and the Tervuren Picture Gallery. These places can be a great addition to a visit to the museum.

Interesting fact:

The museum houses a unique collection of African artefacts, which is one of the largest in Europe.

Ticket prices, opening hours and contacts

For up-to-date information on opening hours, ticket prices and contact details of the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels, please visit the museum’s official website. Here you will find all the necessary information on opening hours, special offers and visiting opportunities. The museum is open to visitors at certain times, and it is best to familiarize yourself with the conditions in advance to plan a convenient visit.

Useful information:

• Working hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00.
• Ticket prices: Adults €12, students/pensioners €8, children (under 18) free.
• Address: Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium.
• Official website. http://www.africamuseum.be.
• +32 2 769 52 11.

For more information or to ask questions, you can contact the museum administration through their official contact channels. Information about special events and temporary exhibitions is also available on the website. The museum actively interacts with visitors, providing them with information about all the latest news and services.

Interesting fact.

The Royal Museum for Central Africa also offers unique events and educational programs for school groups and families.

Tips for visiting the museum

When planning a visit to the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels, it is best to choose morning hours on a weekday to avoid the crowds. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy the exhibitions in a calm atmosphere. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance, as this will save time and avoid waiting in line.

When planning your visit, pay attention to the temporary exhibitions and special events that are held at the museum. To avoid missing important events, it is useful to check the schedule on the official website of the museum.

The museum is a treasure trove of interesting facts. For example, its collections provide a unique insight into colonial history and Belgium’s relations with Central Africa.