Higher but simpler prices at major museums in Brussels as of 1 May

Admission prices go up in eight major museums in and around Brussels, as of next weekend, 1 May. The ‘federal museums’ get the autonomy to fix their own admission prices. The system for reduced prices, on the other hand, will be harmonized.

In Belgium’s federal system, culture is a competence for the regions. Most public museums are therefore regional museums. The eight museums that are in the hands of the federal/Belgian authorities represent ‘scientific and cultural heritage’: the Royal museums of Fine Art, the Africa museum, ​ the Art & History museum and five more.

Those museums didn’t have the autonomy to set their own prices. This is now history thanks to a decision of the competent federal minister Vanessa Matz. The museums used this change to raise their normal prices. Those prices were excessively low. Even with an additional 30 to 50 percent, they remain low.

Matz also decided to harmonize the systems of reduced prices, so that all target groups will be treated equally everywhere. The new system will be easier to understand for potential visitors.

_{| © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}