In the past year, museums across Brussels witnessed an impressive influx of visitors, totaling 4,980,000. This marks a staggering 20% surge from 2022 and a slight uptick compared to the

pre-pandemic record set in 2019. The reopening of various museums, notably the freshly refurbished Magritte Museum, significantly contributed to this heightened interest.

Throughout 2023, each month surpassed previous years' visitor counts, with noticeable peaks in spring, summer, and year-end, as per Brussels Museums, the umbrella organization. Notably, the surge wasn't just from local visitors but also drew in a substantial number of tourists from abroad.

This record-breaking year owes much to the reopening of several museums in Brussels. In October, the Magritte Museum, following a six-month renovation, reopened its doors just in time for the surrealist painter's 125th birth anniversary. Additionally, locations like Maison Hannon and Hotel van Eetvelde welcomed visitors again.

Art Nouveau took center stage in 2023, potentially contributing to the surge. The Museum Association highlighted the overwhelming success of the Art Nouveau Year in Brussels. Sales of the Art Nouveau Pass tripled from 2022, leading to over 13,300 exhibition visits. Moreover, sales of the Brussels City Pass (Brussels Card) surpassed expectations, totaling 19,742 compared to 18,364 in 2022.

"The Art Nouveau Year in Brussels was a resounding success," remarked Brussels Museums. Looking ahead, the organization anticipates the upward trend to persist in 2024. The forthcoming year holds promise as Brussels and its museums prepare to celebrate the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union and the centenary of surrealism, according to a statement released by the organization.

For 25 years, the Brussels Museums federation has united 120 museums in the Brussels Capital Region, striving to enhance their accessibility. This endeavor includes organizing events like Museum Night Fever and facilitating access through initiatives such as the Brussels Card. Photo by Suicasmo, Wikimedia commons.