In the heart of Heysel, just a stone’s throw from the Atomium, the Design Museum Brussels offers one of Brussels’ most fascinating cultural experiences. Formerly known as ADAM (Art & Design Atomium Museum), the Design Museum Brussels has reinvented itself based on a core belief: design is a social issue, not just about aesthetics. More than just a museum, it is a living space where architecture and design converge, in a setting that encapsulates the entire history and future of design. But beyond being a must-visit cultural destination, it is a vibrant hub that hosts workshops, concerts, and late-night events. In short, if you haven’t visited yet, don’t miss out!
19 April 2026 15:00 + more dates
Architecture designed to celebrate design
The museum presents itself as a design piece in its own right. But the museum’s architecture is not merely a shell: it harmoniously interacts with the collection it houses. The architects opted for a structure that plays with light, using simple materials and clean lines, and creates flexible spaces where every piece of furniture or everyday object finds its place, from the most utilitarian to the most conceptual.
Skateboards, vintage televisions, mid-century chairs… Each object tells its own story, and visitors experience a true journey through time! In fact, beware of the “spacetime rift” effect: it’s easy to lose track of time there for a good two hours.
The Design Museum: a place for the curious, not for tourists in a hurry
Its flagship permanent collection, The Plastic Design Collection, is one of the world’s most significant on the subject. More than 2,000 plastic pieces —from Verner Panton to Jobs’s first iMac—redefine what we think we know about this controversial material.
The temporary exhibitions currently on display are definitely worth the trip. On the program:
Designing Childhood (through September 20, 2026): a deep dive into the history of children’s design. From the 19th-century wooden high chair to today’s connected toy, the exhibition poses a central question: do we truly design for children?
Belgisch Design Belge (permanent collection): a vibrant tribute to Belgian design since the 1880s. It’s not chauvinistic; it’s a reflection of society. Belgium has a design scene of unexpected richness, and this exhibition finally gives it the recognition it deserves.
And starting April 24: Val Saint-Lambert & Design, an exhibition on the legendary crystal factories and their ongoing dialogue with contemporary designers. Mark your calendars!
Bruxelles Secrète’s tip for visiting the Design Museum: come on a Tuesday morning
The true luxury of this museum is its tranquility. Outside of weekends and school groups, the galleries are nearly empty. You can move at your own pace, stop wherever you like, and read the explanatory panels again. This is rare in Brussels, and it’s precious. A significant bonus: on the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collections is free.
How to get there (without a car if possible)
Metro Line 6, Heysel stop. Tram Line 7, same stop. The museum is next to the Atomium and Brussels Expo—you can’t miss it. There is no dedicated parking, so it’s best to take public transportation.
19 April 2026 15:00 + more dates
