The Royal Museum for Central Africa, known as the AfricaMuseum, was founded in 1898 in Tervuren, just outside Brussels. It’s both a natural history museum and an ethnographic museum, and the tram from the city ends right at it.
The one thing to know is that the gallery texts and videos are written for visitors aged 14 and up. That’s a guide to the content, not an age limit, but it does mean younger children get more from the children’s route. At reception, you’re given a floor plan that marks the highlights for kids, including musical instruments to try, a crafts corner and a rumba corner. Activity booklets are sold at the entrance desk for €2, in French or Dutch only: WATOTO for ages 6–8 and MABELÉ for older children.
Adult museum admission is €15. Young adults aged 18–26 pay €6 if they show a card that entitles them to the discount. There are several places in the museum to eat or drink. Packed food goes to the picnic room on level -1, since no food or drink is allowed in the galleries. If you’re driving, the car park beside the tram 44 stop is free for now, but it isn’t guarded.
Family FAQ
How much does Royal Museum for Central Africa cost?
Under-18s get into the museum free, and so does everyone on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month.
Do you need to book Royal Museum for Central Africa in advance?
You can buy tickets at the entrance desk on the day.
