Maison de l'Histoire européenne

About the museum

The Maison de l'histoire européenne is an initiative of the European Parliament. The idea was launched in the late 2000s by the institution's president at the time, and developed by a group of experts and a team of museographers. The museum opened to the public in 2017, near the European institutions, in the Parc Léopold.

The museum occupies the Eastman building, built in the 1930s to plans by the Swiss architect Michel Polak. Originally it housed a free dental clinic for disadvantaged children, funded by the foundation of the philanthropist George Eastman, and from the 1980s onwards offices of the European institutions. In the former children's waiting room, murals by Camille Barthélemy illustrate the Fables of La Fontaine. The building was renovated and extended for its new purpose.

The permanent exhibition does not tell the story of each nation, but shows how the past has shaped a European memory, with more than 1,500 objects, documents, images and films from over 300 museums and collections. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions, a collection of its own and an educational programme for schools and families. Admission is free every day.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on European history, from the 19th century to today
• More than 1,500 objects, documents and films from over 300 collections
• Free multimedia tablets in 24 languages
• Hall of Fables with murals by Camille Barthélemy
• Routes and discovery spaces for families

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente – A route through European history, from the formation of a shared past to Europe today, with more than 1,500 objects, documents and films.

Founded

2014

Operated by

Parlement européen

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Access to the museum, guided tours and activities is free for everyone, unless stated otherwise.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

All exhibitions and activities are wheelchair accessible; lifts to all floors, adapted toilets on the ground floor. Two wheelchairs can be borrowed by reservation. Subtitles or written descriptions of films on the tablets for hard-of-hearing visitors. Two parking spaces for people with reduced mobility behind the building (valid badge required; reservations not possible).

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 6+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Recommended minimum age: 6 years; some aspects of the permanent exhibition are better suited to those over 11. Family kiosk at the entrance, the “L'Infiltré” game trail (ages 6 to 12, four languages) and discovery spaces in 24 languages. Pushchair access via the ground floor, changing tables at reception, free lockers. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

According to the museum, Gare de Bruxelles-Luxembourg is 700 m away and the bus stop at Place du Luxembourg 600 m. Bicycle racks in front of and behind the building; Villo station at Place Jean Rey.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Two vending machines, with tables and chairs, on the ground floor; free water fountain before the exit. Free lockers; backpacks, food and drinks are not allowed in the rooms. Shop with gifts and souvenirs, also online. The rooms are air-conditioned between 18 and 24 °C.

Events & venue rental

As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.

The museum is not a venue for private hire; events are organised with partners on European themes.

Plan your visit