Brussels tips: Discover Parlamentarium in the European Quarter

Have you visited the Parlamentarium yet? The European Parliament’s visitor centre and the House of European History, a short walk away in Parc Léopold, are two free museums in Brussels’ European Quarter that we recommend to residents and visitors alike. Both are open seven days a week, offer their exhibitions in all 24 official EU languages, and take around 90 minutes to two hours to see. Here is why they are worth your time.

Parlamentarium and House of European History: two free museums in Brussels’ European Quarter

• Both museums are located in the heart of the Brussels’ EU district – Parlamentarium is part of the large European Parliament building complex while the charming House of European History stands in the beautiful Parc Léopold.
• Parlamentarium is a place where people come to discover the world of European Parliament and learn about the daily work of this institution. Visitors can also get insights into the different aspects of European Union’s democratic process and how decisions made in the Parliament directly influence the lives of the EU citizens.
• House of European History is imagined as a place to debate, question and reflect on Europe’s history. From myths and discoveries to the chaos and cohesion of the 20th century, the visitors are taken on a journey along the path of Europe’s history and challenged to contemplate its future.
• The House of European History also offers family discovery spaces as well as lunch time guided tours. It also hosts a variety of events, screenings and guest lectures. For more inspiration you can check the photo story from our archive.
• The exhibits in both spaces are available in all 24 official European Union languages and its tailored resources are available for schools, families and groups, offering a fascinating experience for all.
• Both museums are completely free!

In addition to the museum and the visitor centre, it is also possible to visit the Hemicycle of the European Parliament as well as the Info Hub, where many diverse events such as concerts and film screenings take place regularly. Check the official website for more info on visiting the EP Hemicycle in Brussels.

Things to know before you visit:

Is the Parlamentarium free?
Yes, entry is free. Book online if you can, because visitors without a booking are let in only when there’s space.

Where is the Parlamentarium?
Esplanade Solidarność 1980 (Rue Wiertz 60), near Place du Luxembourg and Brussels-Luxembourg station.

Is the House of European History free?
Yes. It’s at Rue Belliard 135, in the Art Deco Eastman Building in Parc Léopold, and opened in 2017.

What are the opening hours?
Both are open Monday 13:00–18:00, Tuesday to Friday 09:00–18:00, and Saturday and Sunday 10:00–18:00. In July and August, the House of European History opens at 10:00 on weekdays. Both close on 1 January, 1 May, 1 November and 24, 25 and 31 December.