The Africa Museum is located just outside Brussels in the park of Tervuren in the Flemish Brabant. Indeed, the museum found its origin in the World Exhibition of Brussels that took place in 1897. The World Exhibition of Brussels was composed of 2 sites: the Cinquantenaire and the royal estate of Tervuren. However, the 2 sites were connected by the Avenue of Tervuren and a tramway, and the Colonial section of this exhibition was located at Tervuren. The Independent State of Congo was indeed a personal property of the King of Belgium, Leopold II.
Therefore, after the World Exhibition, the construction of the Museum of the Congo was undertaken under the impulsion of King Leopold II. So, the actual building was built between 1905 and 1908.
The actual building of the Museum finally opens in 1910, under the name of the Museum of the Belgian Congo. Indeed, the Congo was not more a Royal property, but it had become an Belgian colony. Then in 1952, it changes its name and became the Royal Museum of Belgian Congo. After that, its name changes again in 1960 to become the Royal Museum for Central Africa.
Finally, between 2013 and 2018, the museum was closed to undertake major transformation and renovation works. So on the 9 December 2018, the museum opens under the new name of Africa Museum.
The Museum has a unique and impressive collection. The collection is composed of the following disciplines: anthropology, ethnology, botanic, zoology, entomology, geology and mineralogy.
How to get to the Africa Museum?
Address: Leuvensesteenweg 13 in Tervuren.
Public transport
Even though the Museum is located outside of Brussels, it is however very accessible by public transport from Brussels. Indeed, the tram line 44 connects the stop Montgomery to the Tervuren station (last stop), which is next to the Museum. The trip takes around 22 minutes. Therefore, to arrive to Mongomery from the center of Brussels, it is recommended to take the metro line 1 at the Brussels Central station in the direction of Stockel and to stop at Montgomery.
Car
The Museum is outside the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). The museum disposed also from its own parking. It is located at the Museumlaan in Tervuren and it is only accessible during the opening hours of the museum.
Opening hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday – Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday and Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Public and school holidays | 10:00 – 17:00 |
The Africa Museum is closed on the 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.
Tickets
| Adults > 18 year | € 12 |
| Group of adults (≥ 15 people) | € 8 |
| Seniors (65 +) | € 8 |
| Students (18-26) Youths groups (18-26) Teachers Persons on social benefits Persons with disabilities Attendant of a disabled person | € 4 |
| Children and youths under 18 Brussels Card ICOM members Brussels Card Press RMCA staff and members of their household BELSPO staff Group monitor Bus drivers for groups | Free |
Two annual pass are also available, more information on www.africamuseum.be.
