Museum of Musical Instruments

Housed in a striking art nouveau former department store known as Old England, this Brussels museum holds one of the largest collections of musical instruments in the world. Several thousand pieces span cultures and centuries, from ancient and folk instruments to elaborate keyboards and mechanical devices. Visitors are guided by audio headsets that play recordings of the instruments as they pass, bringing the silent displays to life. A rooftop cafe crowns the ornate iron-and-glass building, offering wide views over the historic upper town.