Musée des Égouts

About the museum

In the 1980s, the Sewer Department of the City of Brussels regularly received requests to visit its underground network. The idea of a museum devoted to the sewers grew out of this success. The site at the Porte d’Anderlecht was chosen: under its two neoclassical toll pavilions it brings together a section of the Senne, a collector and secondary sewers. The museum opened its doors on 30 May 1988.

Engineers, scientists, historians and sewer workers collaborated on its content. Renovated in 2007, it was attached eight years later to the Department of Culture and is run by the City of Brussels’ museum service. In 2010, maintenance and management of the sewers were entrusted to VIVAQUA, and the museum works with Brussels water stakeholders within the asbl AQUABRU to present up-to-date information on the collection and treatment of wastewater.

The visit begins in one pavilion and ends in the other. In between, photos, models, videos and objects explain the daily work of sewer workers, the fight against flooding, the water cycle in the city and the history of the Senne, which was vaulted over in the 19th and 20th centuries. A few metres further down, the route follows the river and then descends some fifty metres into the chaussée de Mons collector, still in service. Since 2023, the museum has organised its programme around a theme year, which adds exhibitions, workshops and games to the permanent exhibition.

Highlights

• Walk of about 50 m through the chaussée de Mons collector, still in service
• The vaulted Senne, visible several metres underground
• The sewer worker’s trade presented through photos, models and videos
• Permanent exhibition on the water cycle in the city
• Audio guide “dont vous êtes le héros” (choose-your-own-adventure) and game booklets for children

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente du Musée des Égouts – Route through two toll pavilions on the trade of the sewer worker, flooding, the water cycle in the city and the history of the Senne, with a walk through a collector.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Ville de Bruxelles (Service des Musées)

Director

Aude Hendrick

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every first Sunday of the month (free guided visits, by reservation)

Also free with the museumPASSmusées and the Brussels Card, for the press, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, staff of the City of Brussels, VIVAQUA and HYDRIA, and professional tour guides. Reduced rates require an official card. Payment on site in cash, by Bancontact or by credit card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 building is not accessible to wheelchair users: the lower levels can only be reached by stairs, and there are no toilets for people with reduced mobility. The team nevertheless makes an effort to make visits easier for people with visual, hearing or mental disabilities. Animals are not admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 5+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children can enjoy the visit from age 5. Two free game booklets: a treasure hunt (5 to 7 years) and the “Guide de l’exploRATeur” (8 to 12 years). Intergenerational workshops and active family visits during the year.

Getting there & parking

On foot: 13 minutes from Brussels-Midi station and 15 minutes from the Grand-Place. Cycle path along boulevard Poincaré; bike racks on either side of the two pavilions (not supervised).

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available
• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi: access codes available at reception. No café or cloakroom; strollers and luggage can sometimes be left at reception, depending on space. Snacks and restaurants nearby; picnics possible in two neighbouring parks.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit