Western Europe · Belgium

Belgian Comic Strip Center, Brussels

Comics & Manga Half day difficulty: Easy with kids: yes

In an art nouveau building by the architect Victor Horta, in the heart of Brussels, a museum celebrates European comics, of which Belgium is the cradle. There's Tintin's red-and-white rocket at full size, the blue Smurfs, and original pages by artists your kids recognize from their albums.

The pop wink

Tintin, the reporter with the red tuft of hair, and the Smurfs, the little blue folk, were both born in Belgium. That's why this country is called the homeland of European comics, and Brussels has comic murals painted all over the city.

With kids

Take a photo next to Tintin's full-size red-and-white rocket
Look for the Smurfs and count how many different characters there are
See original pages hand-drawn by the great comic artists
Head out to hunt the giant comic murals through the streets of Brussels

Accessibility: All ages; lots of panels to read, better for kids who already read on their own

With family

Admire Horta's art nouveau building, a work of art in itself
Discover how a comic is made, from script to color, step by step
Choose an album in the shop to read together on the trip
Follow the comic mural route through the city center

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Belgian Comic Strip Center, Brussels. ← All destinations