Comic Strip Center
Bruxelles-Capitale: Région de
The Belgian Comic Strip Center, located in central Brussels, is a museum dedicated to the rich heritage of Belgian comics. Housed in an Art Nouveau building designed by the renowned architect Victor Horta and completed in 1906, the museum showcases the evolution and cultural significance of the comic strip art form in Belgium. Originally built as the Magasins Waucquez fabric store, the building was restored in the late 1980s to serve as a museum honoring the entire Belgian comics industry, inspired by Hergé's suggestion. Visitors can admire the architectural marvels of the building, including its glass domes, grand staircase, and intricate mosaics, while exploring exhibitions featuring original drawings, unpublished documents, and themed displays such as "A Century of Belgian Comics." The museum offers a blend of historical homage and contemporary appreciation, making it a cultural ambassador for Belgian comics and Art Nouveau architecture. It attracts around 200,000 visitors annually and hosts a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.
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Tip: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, with occasional extra openings such as on Easter Monday. Reservations are not mandatory, but visitors can purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The best time to visit is outside of weekends and school holidays to enjoy a more relaxed experience. The visit typically takes about 90 minutes. Families and educators can find tailored activities and resources on the museum's website. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and students.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building is the only surviving example of Victor Horta's department stores.
- •Mosaics used in the restoration were flown in from Italy due to the rarity of mosaic craftsmanship in Belgium.
- •The museum honors the entire Belgian comics industry, a suggestion made by Hergé, the creator of Tintin.
- •It attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually while government subsidies cover less than 10% of its budget.
- •Another comics museum, the Marc Sleen Museum, was located directly across the street until its closure in 2023, with part of its collection integrated into the Comic Strip Center.
History
The building was inaugurated in 1906 as the Magasins Waucquez, a fabric store designed by Victor Horta in the Art Nouveau style.
After its closure in 1970, the building deteriorated until it was designated a historic monument in 1975.
In the 1980s, a restoration project led by architect Jean Breydel and prominent comic artists transformed it into a museum dedicated to Belgian comics, officially opening in 1989 in the presence of King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola.
Over the decades, it has become a major cultural institution, continually updating its exhibitions to celebrate the history and evolution of Belgian comic art.
Place Guide
Main Entrance and Staircase1906
The grand entrance features a monumental stone staircase with elegant iron railings, characteristic of Victor Horta's Art Nouveau style. Visitors start their journey here, ascending to the exhibition levels.
Permanent Exhibition: A Century of Belgian Comics2023
This exhibition celebrates 100 years of Belgian comic history, showcasing original drawings, rare documents, and iconic characters that shaped the medium. The display is set in a luxurious black, white, and gold environment.
Second Floor Skylight and Interior Architecture1906
Visitors can admire the large glass domes and vaulted ceilings that illuminate the interior, highlighting the building's open-plan design and decorative elements such as marble mosaic floors and stained glass.
Contact
Phone: 02 219 19 80
