In Belgium comics are taken as seriously as any other art form, and they are everywhere: on the walls of buildings, occupying their own special sections in book shops, and in this excellent museum, which is inside an Art Nouveau landmark building designed by Victor Horta. "From the early beginnings man told his own story in pictures," states a sign near the entrance, and the hallway welcomes you with a life-size rocket from one of Tintin's adventures, then you're off on a whirlwind tour, learning about the history of comics at your own speed. Start with comic strips, which most likely originated with 1896's "Yellow Kid." Of course, the origins of animated storytelling go much further back. Monks may have invented the language of cartoons: they illustrated sacred texts, divided the story into panels, described movement, painted backgrounds, and even wrote dialogues in bubbles. Texts in the museum are written in French and Dutch, but only partly in English. A short guidebook is available in English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Chinese, and is included in the entrance fee. The Center also puts on temporary exhibitions covering different artists throughout the year. There's an impressively large book shop, a reading room, and a restaurant on the ground floor.
Brussels
Travel Guide
Brussels› Attraction
Centre Belge De la Bande Dessinée
20 rue des Sables
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Botanique
Hours
Daily 10am–6pm, closed Dec 25 and Jan 1
Transportation
Metro: Botanique/Congres/Parc
Phone
02/219–19–80
Prices
€10 adults, €8 seniors, €7 children 12–18 years, €3.50 children under 1
Web site
Centre Belge De la Bande Dessinée
Map
20 rue des Sables BrusselsNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.