Parlamentarium

About the museum

The Parlamentarium is the visitor centre of the European Parliament in Brussels. It is located in the Espace Léopold complex, at the heart of the European Quarter, on the Solidarność 1980 esplanade. It was inaugurated on 14 October 2011 by Jerzy Buzek, then President of the European Parliament, and presents itself as the largest parliamentary visitor centre in Europe.

The visit is free and lasts an average of about an hour and a half. Each visitor receives a personal multimedia guide which triggers suitable content at each station of the route: texts, sounds and films. All content is available in the 24 official languages of the European Union.

The route traces the history of Europe and the stages of European integration. It explains how the European Parliament works, what its priorities are and how its laws affect the lives of citizens across the continent. Visitors also get to know MEPs and their everyday work. A 360° cinema and a large interactive map on the floor complete the visit.

The centre is free and open seven days a week. It is designed for all audiences, including people with disabilities, with audio-described guides, sign-language videos and Braille tactile maps. For school groups and young people from 14 years, a role-play also lets you step into the shoes of a Member of the European Parliament.

Highlights

• Personal multimedia guide, available in all 24 official EU languages
• Interactive route through the history of Europe and European integration
• Explanations of how the European Parliament works and of the work of MEPs
• 360° cinema and an interactive map of Europe
• Free role-play for groups from 14 years

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent du Parlamentarium – Interactive multimedia route on the history of European integration, the functioning of the European Parliament and the work of MEPs.

Founded

2011

Operated by

Parlement européen

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission for everyone. A valid physical identity document (identity card or passport) is required at the entrance.

Accessibility

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

Fully accessible to wheelchair users, with staff ready to help; any particular need for assistance should be reported in advance. The multimedia guides offer audio files describing the places; Braille tactile maps exist in Dutch, English, French and German, and sign-language videos (including LSF, LSFB, VGT, BSL, DGS and NGT) are integrated into the guides. The building has induction loops. Guide dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The centre presents itself as suitable for all ages. For young people from 14 years and school groups, a role-play on the work of MEPs is offered free of charge (booking required).

Getting there & parking

The Zweig reception, with entrance on rue d’Ardenne, allows coaches to drop off and collect groups.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers

Lockers, toilets and a souvenir shop devoted to the EU and the Parliament. Vending machines offer coffee, drinks and snacks. Suitcases and trolleys are not admitted inside.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit