Located in central Brussels, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) was founded in 1877 as part of the Royal Conservatory, originally intended to showcase historical instruments to music students. Today, it is internationally recognized for its extensive collection of more than 8,000 instruments.
Since 2000, the Musical Instruments Museum has been housed in the former Old England department store, a striking Art Nouveau building designed in 1899 by Paul Saintenoy in collaboration with engineer Emile Wyhowski de Bukanski. Built on a narrow, sloping plot at 2 Rue Montagne de la Cour on the Mont des Arts, the six-story structure combines a steel frame with expansive glass curtain walls that flood the interior with natural light.
Musical Instruments Museum - facade of the Old England building
A distinctive octagonal oriel tower rises from the fourth floor and ends in a delicate steel pergola. The building’s vibrant green façade, highlighted by enamelled yellow and orange signage, contrasts sharply with the surrounding neoclassical masonry.
Old England building with octagonal tower
Old England building and view over Brussels
Musical Instruments Museum - staircase
Musical Instruments Museum - staircase
Part of the museum's exhibition is housed in the adjacent 18th-century neoclassical building designed by Barnabé Guimard. The displays highlight Brussels' important role in the history of musical instrument manufacturing, notably as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Visitors receive headphones, allowing them to hear nearly 300 musical excerpts played on instruments from the collection.
Musical Instruments exhibition
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