The Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels: history, culture and modernity

In the center of Brussels there is a unique place that reveals the rich history and cultural heritage of the Jewish community – the Jewish Museum of Belgium. It presents exhibits illustrating the centuries-old history of Jews in Belgium, their contribution to the cultural and social life of the country.

History of the creation of the museum

The Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels was created to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Jewish community in Belgium. The decision to create it was made at the end of the 20th century, when the need for such a cultural center became obvious to the Jewish community and public organizations in the country. The museum opened in 2005, thanks to the efforts of a number of activists and historians who sought to convey to a wider audience knowledge of the contribution of the Jewish people to the history and culture of Belgium.

Key dates and facts about the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels:

• 1984: Creation of an initiative group to establish a cultural center that would reflect Jewish history and the contribution of the Jewish community in Belgium.
• First collection of artifacts and historical documents related to the life of the Jewish community. Inclusion of rare exhibits such as art and household items in the collection.
• 2005: Official opening of the Jewish Museum, which immediately gained recognition as an educational center presenting the history of the Jewish people in Belgium.
• A major expansion of the museum and renovation of the exhibition halls, which made it possible to include new exhibits. In the same year, the museum faced a serious incident that attracted international attention and led to increased security measures.
• Development of new interactive and digital exhibits, allowing visitors to learn more about the traditions and culture of the Jewish community through modern multimedia technologies.
• The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions and lectures on various aspects of Jewish culture, such as art, literature and traditions, which helps to gain a deeper understanding of the Jewish community’s contribution to the country’s history.
• One of the unique exhibits of the museum is a collection of documents dedicated to the period of World War II, illuminating the role and fate of Jewish families during those years.

The museum continues to evolve, planning to expand its reach to even more visitors and strengthen its educational programs. In the future, the museum intends to cover new aspects of Jewish history and art, as well as create interactive exhibits that will be of interest to different generations. This will allow the museum to remain relevant and attractive to a wide audience.

Fact:

The museum presents a unique collection of photographs and documents that talk about the life of the Jewish community in Belgium from the beginning of the 20th century.

Museum collection

The collection of the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels has been built up over many years and is based on rare historical documents, artefacts and works of art that reveal the culture and life of the Jewish community in Belgium. The exhibits include everything from ancient objects of Jewish worship to unique photographs and letters dedicated to the life of Jews in different historical periods. These exhibits help not only to preserve the heritage, but also to better understand its meaning.

Main exhibits:

• Ancient Tora’s: ancient scrolls containing Torah texts that have historical and religious value.
• Cult objects of the Jewish tradition: candlesticks, Kiddush cups, menorahs used for religious holidays.
• Photographs and documents from the Holocaust: personal items, letters and photographs reflecting the difficult period of World War II for Belgian Jews.
• Painting and sculpture: work created by Jewish artists in Belgium, illustrating cultural heritage.
• Temporary exhibitions: dedicated to cultural or historical themes and often contain artefacts from international museums and private collections.

When visiting the Jewish Museum of Belgium, be sure to take a look at the ancient Tora’s and the collection of photographs from the Holocaust. These exhibits are particularly poignant in conveying the history of the community and its trials. The temporary exhibitions are also interesting, offering a unique perspective on different aspects of Jewish culture and its connections to Belgian society.

Interesting fact:

One of the most significant exhibits is an antique menorah, hand-made in the 17th century, which is still used in holiday ceremonies.

Events and educational programs

The Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels offers a wide range of events and educational initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage and educating society. A variety of lectures, thematic tours, exhibitions and interactive activities help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Jewish community in Belgium and its contribution to the country’s public life. These events are particularly important as they promote tolerance and mutual understanding.

List of events and educational programs:

• Thematic Lectures and Seminars: The Jewish Museum organizes lectures featuring historians, researchers, and representatives of the Jewish community, discussing important aspects of Jewish history, culture, and religion.
• Educational Tours for Schoolchildren: Programs specially designed for schoolchildren and students include tours of permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as interactive sessions that make learning about history interesting and accessible.
• Master classes and creative activities: For visitors of all ages, the museum holds master classes where they can learn about traditional Jewish crafts, cuisine and music.
• Temporary exhibitions: The Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on various aspects of Jewish culture and art. These exhibitions often include unique artefacts and works by contemporary artists.
• Commemorative Events: It is important to note that the museum organizes special events to mark remembrance dates that are dedicated to Jewish history, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day.

For a more in-depth understanding of the cultural heritage of the Jewish community, it is recommended to attend lectures and commemorative events that reveal important aspects of Jewish history and traditions. Temporary exhibitions will also allow you to see unique works of art, and workshops are suitable for those who want to touch the traditions with their own hands. The museum’s events help everyone to feel the spirit of history and see how Jewish culture continues to enrich public life in Belgium.

Interesting fact:

The museum often collaborates with international cultural centers, thanks to which exhibitions include unique exhibits from other countries.

How to get to the Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels is located in the city center, which makes it easy to access by various means of transport. Thanks to the developed transport system, visitors can easily reach the museum, no matter which mode of transportation they choose. The museum is located in the historical part of Brussels, which makes it easy to plan a visit to other attractions nearby.

How to get there

• By bus: Buses 29, 66 and 71 stop near the museum. The nearest stop is Place de Brucker, from which you can walk to the museum in 5-10 minutes.
• By trolleybus: For those who prefer the trolleybus, it is convenient to use routes No. 33 and 48, which also take you to the central part of the city, from where the museum is easily accessible on foot.
• By tram: tram routes 3 and 4 pass nearby, the ” Bourse ” stop is a few minutes’ walk from the museum.
• By Car: Guests arriving by car can use GPS to navigate to the museum address. It is recommended to plan parking in advance as parking is often limited in the city center.
• On foot: From Brussels’ central square (Grand Place) the museum is a 10–15-minute walk away, allowing you to stroll through the city’s historic streets.

For those who prefer car transport, there are several paid parking lots near the museum, such as Parking Ecuyer and Parking Monnaie. The museum is located among other cultural attractions of Brussels, such as the Royal Palace and the Grand Place, making it a great addition to a full city tour.

Advice:

If you are planning to visit the museum on a weekend or holiday, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds of visitors and to have time to stroll around the nearby attractions.

Opening hours, ticket prices and contacts

For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, ticket prices and upcoming events, visit the official website of the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels. The museum regularly updates its website, including information on temporary exhibitions and special events.

Information:

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00. Monday – closed.
• Ticket prices: Adults: €10, students and pensioners: €7, children under 12 free.
• Address: Rue des Minimes 21, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
• Contact phone: +32 (0)2 500 88 36.
• Official website: https://www.jewishmuseum.be/.

The Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels is not only a cultural space, but also an important educational center. Its aim is to educate visitors about the history of the Jewish community in Belgium and to preserve its heritage.