What is Autoworld?
One of Europe's major car museums, in a huge 19th-century exhibition hall in the Cinquantenaire Park, built for Belgium's 50th anniversary. Opened in 1986 around the collection of the Mahy family, it shows the history of the car from horse-drawn carriages and early motorcars to sports cars, racing cars and Belgian royal vehicles, with around 250-300 vehicles on display.
It's a hidden gem for car fans, and its giant iron-and-glass hall is worth seeing in itself.
Tickets
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How busy is Autoworld?
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Autoworld | Brussels, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Monday, 10 am-5 pm
Busiest time
Sunday, 12-6 pm
What to see
- Early motoring: carriages, steam vehicles and the first motorcars.
- Belgian car brands such as Minerva, FN and Imperia, from the time Belgium built luxury cars.
- Royal cars used by the Belgian royal family.
- Classic sports and racing cars on the mezzanine.
- Temporary exhibitions, often themed on a brand or era.
- The hall itself: a vast 19th-century iron-and-glass exhibition building.
Plans by visitor type
Car enthusiasts
Allow 2-3 hours, including temporary exhibitions. Check the events calendar for car meets in the park.
Families
Kids enjoy the racing cars and old fire engines. Under 4s are free.
Short on time
One hour is enough for the main hall. Then walk under the Cinquantenaire arch.
Getting there
Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels.
Insider tips
- Book online a day ahead to save €1 per ticket.
- Next door, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces has aircraft and a free panoramic view from the top of the Cinquantenaire arch (check opening).
- Combine with the EU quarter and the Parlamentarium (free), 10 minutes away.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving at 4:30 pm on a weekday: it closes at 5 pm.
- Paying reseller fees when the official site is cheaper.
- Missing the mezzanine level.
History
Autoworld is housed in the south hall of the Cinquantenaire, the vast arcade and exhibition halls built for the 1880 national exhibition celebrating 50 years of Belgian independence. The museum's collection began with the cars of Ghislain Mahy, a Belgian collector who amassed hundreds of vehicles. It opened in its current home in 1986. Belgium was an important car-making country in the early 20th century, with brands such as Minerva, FN and Imperia, which are well represented.
Combining it with the Cinquantenaire
Autoworld shares the Cinquantenaire park with the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, which has a free terrace on top of the triumphal arch with views over Brussels, and the Art & History Museum. The EU quarter, with the Parlamentarium and the House of European History, is a 10-minute walk away.
With children
Children enjoy the racing cars, the vintage fire engines and the carriages, and there are themed temporary exhibitions that are often family-friendly. Under-4s are free and reduced tickets apply to children. The hall is large and step-free, good for strollers. Combine it with the Cinquantenaire park's playgrounds and lawns.
Is Autoworld worth it?
Yes for car lovers and families: it's one of Europe's best car collections in a spectacular hall, and rarely crowded. If cars aren't your thing, the Cinquantenaire Park and its other museums may suit you better.
FAQs
How much is Autoworld Brussels?
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€18 for adults and €14 reduced. Under 4s are free. Book online a day ahead for €1 off.
What are Autoworld's opening hours?
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10 am-5 pm on weekdays and 10 am-6 pm at weekends. Check for holiday closures.
How many cars are at Autoworld?
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Around 250-300 vehicles.
Where is Autoworld?
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In the Cinquantenaire Park. The nearest metro is Merode.
How long do you need at Autoworld?
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1.5-2 hours.
What's the best time to visit?
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Heading to Autoworld | Brussels?
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
