Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinee (Brussels)

The famous Belgian Comic Strip Centre is a Brussels institution and universally rated as one of its most enchanting attractions. Not only is it an educational and fun day out for kids, but mums and dads will love its nostalgic charm and are sure to rediscover their own childhood. It is housed in a spectacular Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta and its 4,000 square metres of exhibition space are jam packed with fun for all ages. On cheap city breaks in Brussels, you could easily lose hours here lost in a fantasy world, where every comic book hero makes an appearance from Asterix, Charlie Brown, Andy Capp and of course beloved local hero Tintin.

 

You can browse through comic art from science fiction, the Wild West, crime and politics as well as traditional children’s favourites in the vast study library which numbers over 30,000 titles. Thematic guided tours are available on weekend breaks in Brussels for all ages, which can include a tour of the museum and a walkabout in the city to discover the many painted comic strip facades and graffiti found in central Brussels. 

 

Known as the ‘ninth art’, comic strip art is big business in Belgium and its all-conquering number one hero is undoubtedly Tintin. There is a vast exhibition devoted to this evergreen detective with original sketches, first edition comics, film screenings and lectures. Even if you have no interest at all in comics, a visit to here during short breaks in Brussels will still captivate lovers of architecture. The spectacular building is as much of an attraction as the exhibits and there is a fascinating exhibition of its history and the celebrated life of its famous architect.