Is the Brussels comic mural walk free?

Yes, viewing the murals on the streets is entirely free as they are public art. However, if you choose to enter the Comics Art Museum at the start of the route, there is an admission fee.

What is the best walking tour Brussels offers for families?

The Comic Strip Mural route is widely considered the best for families because it features colorful, recognizable characters and stays within pedestrian-friendly areas of the city center.

Where is the Tintin mural located?

The most famous Tintin mural is located on Stoofstraat (Rue de l'Etuve), which is the same street that leads to the Manneken Pis statue near the Grand Place.

Can I see the comic murals at night?

Yes, many of the murals are located in well-lit areas and can be seen at night. However, for the best photography and to appreciate the colors, daylight is highly recommended.

Is the comic strip walk wheelchair accessible?

The route primarily follows standard city sidewalks which are mostly flat. While some older cobblestone streets exist near the Grand Place, the majority of the route is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How many comic murals are there in Brussels?

There are over 60 murals scattered across the city as part of the official Comic Book Route. This specific walk focuses on the most iconic and centrally located pieces.

What is the Belgian Comic Strip Center?

It is a museum dedicated to the history of Belgian comics, housed in a famous Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. It serves as the starting point for most comic-themed explorations in the city.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Brussels is world-renowned as the capital of the ninth art, and this self-guided walk invites you to explore the city's unique relationship with the comic strip. On this neighborhood stroll, you will traverse the heart of the Belgian capital to discover how beloved characters have leaped from the pages of comic books onto the walls of the city. The route begins at the architectural masterpiece that is the Comics Art Museum, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. From there, you will navigate through the central districts, where narrow alleyways and grand facades serve as a canvas for giant murals celebrating heroes like Tintin, Asterix, and Lucky Luke. This walking route Brussels offers is more than just a gallery visit; it is a deep dive into the Franco-Belgian comic tradition known as Bandes Dessinées. You will see how urban art has been used to revitalize neighborhoods and celebrate local culture since the first mural was painted in the early 1990s. Along the way, you will witness a mix of classic styles and modern interpretations, reflecting the evolving nature of the medium. The walk is designed for those who wish to explore independently, allowing for plenty of time to stop at local cafes or browse through specialized comic book shops. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Hergé or simply an admirer of creative urban spaces, this self-guided adventure provides a colorful perspective on the city's history and its vibrant creative spirit. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The stunning Art Nouveau architecture of the Comics Art Museum

The iconic Tintin mural near the Grand Place

Broussaille, the mural that started the city's comic strip project

Larger-than-life depictions of Asterix, Obelix, and Lucky Luke

Hidden alleyways filled with creative urban art

Insights into the history of Franco-Belgian 'Bandes Dessinées'

Tour Stops (6)

Comics Art Museum

Welcome to the Belgian Comic Strip Center, located in a breathtaking Art Nouveau building designed by the legendary architect Victor Horta. Originally a textile department store, this space now serves as a temple to the ninth art. As you stand before its elegant facade, consider how the building itself mirrors the creativity found within. The museum celebrates the vast history of Belgian comics, from the early pioneers to modern masters. While the museum requires a ticket to enter the galleries, the building's lobby and shop often allow a glimpse of Horta's genius. This is the perfect starting point to understand why Brussels is considered the comic capital of the world.

Broussaille - Mur BD

This mural, created by artist Frank Pé, holds a special place in Brussels' history as it was the very first comic strip wall commissioned by the city in 1991. It depicts the character Broussaille and his girlfriend Catherine strolling through a modern-day Brussels. The mural was originally intended to cover a dilapidated wall, but its success sparked the city-wide Comic Book Route that now includes over 60 murals. Please note that street art is subject to the elements and urban changes; you might see signs of restoration or slight weathering, which only adds to the mural's history as a living part of the neighborhood.

Ric Hochet - Mur BD

Look up to find Ric Hochet, the famous detective character created by the artist Tibet and writer André-Paul Duchâteau. This mural captures the high-stakes drama typical of the series, showing Ric Hochet climbing a gutter to reach a window. The series ran for decades and is a staple of the 'Le Journal de Tintin' era. The placement of these murals is often strategic, turning plain or awkward architectural features into part of the story. This particular piece is a great example of how the comic strip walls integrate seamlessly into the daily life and urban fabric of central Brussels.

Tintin Comic Mural

You are now at one of the most photographed spots in the city. This mural features Tintin, his faithful dog Snowy, and Captain Haddock descending a fire escape, a scene inspired by the book 'The Calculus Affair.' Tintin is perhaps Belgium's most famous cultural export, created by Hergé in 1929. His adventures have been translated into over 70 languages. Located just a stone's throw from the Grand Place, this mural serves as a bridge between the city's medieval history and its modern pop-culture identity. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the 'Ligne Claire' (clear line) drawing style that Hergé pioneered.

Asterix en Obelix - Stripmuur

While Asterix and Obelix are French creations by Goscinny and Uderzo, they are deeply beloved in Belgium and have a permanent home on this Brussels wall. The mural depicts the indomitable Gauls charging into battle against the Romans, with their trademark humor and energy. This large-scale work showcases the vibrant colors and dynamic character designs that made the series a global phenomenon. As you view it, notice how the scale of the characters transforms the street into a theatrical space. This mural is a testament to the cross-border influence of comic culture within the Francophone world.

Lucky Luke - Comics Street Art

The final stop on our route brings us to Lucky Luke, 'the man who shoots faster than his shadow.' Created by the Belgian cartoonist Morris, Lucky Luke is a parody of the American Old West. This mural features Luke alongside his horse Jolly Jumper and his persistent antagonists, the Dalton brothers. The art style here is distinctively expressive and humorous, capturing the slapstick nature of the series. Morris was one of the few Belgian artists to spend significant time in the United States, which heavily influenced his work. This mural provides a fittingly lighthearted conclusion to our exploration of Brussels' outdoor comic gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes depending on your pace and how long you spend at the museum. The distance covered is approximately 2.5 kilometers through the city center.