Autoworld

About the museum

Autoworld opened to the public on 26 September 1986 in one of the large glass-and-steel halls of the Cinquantenaire park. The project was born in the early 1980s thanks to the commitment of figures such as King Albert II, Minister Louis Olivier and President Herman De Croo. The collection of the Mahy family, one of the largest in the world, formed the basis of the museum: about 200 of its vehicles were installed there from the opening, including many Belgian brands such as Minerva, FN, Imperia and Nagant.

The building itself has a history linked to the motor car: from 1902 to 1934 its halls hosted the first motor car and motorcycle shows. Built by Gédéon Bordiau for the 1888 World Exhibition, as part of Leopold II's dream of giving Brussels prestigious avenues and monuments, the halls now house more than 300 vehicles and motorcycles.

Since 2010 the museum has added new areas: Sport and Competition, Belgium at Autoworld, authentic workshops, the Media Room, Salon 1919, Design Story and, since 2024, the royal cars. Every year two large temporary exhibitions of some fifty cars enliven the route, supplemented by several smaller displays and events for enthusiasts.

Highlights

• More than 300 vehicles, from automotive pioneers to supercars
• Salon 1910: thirty period cars in a motor-show setting
• Belgian zone with brands such as Minerva, FN, Imperia, Excelsior and Gillet
• Royal cars and the Sport and Competition zone
• Free audio guide with an adult route and a family route
• Glass and steel hall by Gédéon Bordiau

Permanent exhibitions

• Salon 1910 – A 1,000 m² space recalling the first motor shows held in these halls, with around thirty period cars, large photographs and archive images.
• Zone belge – A panorama of the Belgian motor and motorcycle industry, with brands such as Minerva, FN, Imperia, Excelsior and Gillet, and the coachbuilder D'Ieteren.
• Voitures royales – A zone opened in 2024 devoted to the cars used by the royal family, including the Cadillac used for the wedding of Kings Baudouin and Albert.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Autoworld asbl

Admission & discounts

€1 discount per ticket for any online order placed at least one day in advance. Free access with the Museum Pass and the Brussels Card (card scanned at reception). Professor cards, Article 27 and other discounts apply at reception on presentation of the card. A combined ticket exists for the three museums of the Cinquantenaire park.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor is step-free, the first floor is accessible by lift and the corridors are wide. People with reduced mobility present themselves at the barrier (avenue de la Renaissance) and can park in front of the museum. Special visits on request, for example for visually impaired visitors; an Access-i sheet is available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

During all school holidays, a Kids Corner offers LEGO bricks, colouring, a table football and a driving simulator. The audio guide is available in a family version, and an escape game is available in the museum.

Getting there & parking

Brussels is a low-emission zone (LEZ): check whether your vehicle may enter at lez.brussels. With the SNCB Discovery Ticket you get 40% off the train ticket.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Brasserie Bagnole in the museum (open Monday to Friday 11:00–17:00, weekends 11:00–18:00), also accessible without a ticket through a separate entrance. The museum shop, also accessible without a ticket, offers books, miniatures and objects linked to the exhibitions. Lockers available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Multipurpose halls for meetings as well as for events for more than 1,000 guests: company parties, conferences, launches, receptions and team building, with catering and technical support. Brasserie Bagnole also hosts private events.

Plan your visit