How long does it take to walk the Magritte route?

A self-guided walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere, though a full visit inside the Magritte Museum will add another 1-2 hours to your day.

Is the Magritte Museum worth visiting?

Yes, it is essential for fans of Surrealism. It houses the largest collection of René Magritte's work in the world, spanning his entire career across several floors of a beautifully restored building.

Where did René Magritte live in Brussels?

Magritte lived in several locations, most notably in Jette (now a separate museum) and later in Schaerbeek near Place de la Reine. This walk takes you through the areas where he spent his daily life and socialized.

Can I see the pub where the Surrealists met?

Absolutely. 'La Fleur en Papier Doré' (The Golden Paper Flower) on Rue des Alexiens was the main gathering spot for Magritte and his circle and remains open to the public as a historic pub.

What are the highlights of the Magritte walk?

Key highlights include the Magritte Museum, the chess-playing tables at Brasserie Greenwich, and the eclectic, art-covered walls of La Fleur en Papier Doré.

Is the Brussels Surrealism walk accessible?

The route is largely accessible as it follows city sidewalks. However, some historic buildings and older pubs may have narrow entrances or small steps that could be challenging for wheelchairs.

What is the best time to start this walking route?

Starting around 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM is best. This allows you to visit the museum when it opens and arrive at the historic brasseries in time for a lunch or afternoon coffee break.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Brussels is a city where the mundane often masks the mysterious, a quality that René Magritte, the master of Belgian Surrealism, captured perfectly. This self-guided walk invites you to step into his world, traversing the streets where he lived, worked, and socialized. From the grand heights of the Mont des Arts to the cozy, smoke-filled interiors of historic pubs, you will discover how the Belgian capital inspired some of the 20th century's most iconic art. This walking route Brussels focuses on the tension between the ordinary and the impossible, a theme central to the Surrealist movement. As you explore independently, you will see the city through a different lens—one where bowler hats, green apples, and blue skies are not quite what they seem. The journey begins at the prestigious Royal Museums of Fine Arts, where the foundation of Belgian art is laid bare. From there, the path leads to the dedicated Magritte Museum, housing the world's most significant collection of his works. Beyond the museum walls, the walk takes a more personal turn, visiting the bohemian haunts where the Surrealist group met to discuss philosophy and play games. You will wander through the heart of the city to find the brasserie where Magritte famously played chess and the legendary 'La Fleur en Papier Doré' pub, which served as the movement's unofficial headquarters. This travel experience offers more than just art history; it provides a narrative of a man who lived a quiet, bourgeois life while revolutionizing the way we perceive reality. Whether you are a dedicated art lover or a curious traveler, this neighborhood stroll reveals the hidden layers of Brussels that often go unnoticed. By following this route, you gain a deeper understanding of why Surrealism found such fertile ground in this complex, multi-layered city. There is no better way to appreciate the local culture than by walking the same cobblestones as the artists themselves, ending your journey near the striking architecture of Schaerbeek, where the master spent his final years.

Highlights

The world's largest collection of Magritte's works at the dedicated Magritte Museum

La Fleur en Papier Doré, the historic pub where Belgian Surrealists gathered

Brasserie Greenwich, the Art Nouveau gem where Magritte played chess

The stunning panoramic views of the Mont des Arts

The intersection of bourgeois life and revolutionary art in the streets of central Brussels

The majestic Sainte-Marie Church at Place de la Reine

Tour Stops (5)

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Start your journey at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the cornerstone of Belgium's artistic heritage. This institution houses a vast collection spanning centuries, providing the essential context for understanding the environment Magritte emerged from. While Magritte is known for his revolutionary Surrealism, his work is deeply rooted in the Belgian tradition of meticulous detail and a touch of the macabre. As you stand in the Place Royale, notice the neoclassical architecture surrounding you. This orderly, grand setting is the perfect contrast to the subversion of reality that Magritte would later champion. It was here that the foundations of his education and his early exposure to the Old Masters began.

Magritte Museum

Located within the complex of the Royal Museums, this dedicated space is the definitive home of René Magritte's legacy. It holds over 200 works, including paintings, drawings, and even his experiments with film. The museum is arranged chronologically, allowing you to trace his evolution from a commercial wallpaper designer to a world-renowned artist. Look for 'The Empire of Light,' where a nighttime street scene sits beneath a bright daylight sky—a classic example of his ability to make the familiar feel unsettling. This building serves as a portal into his psyche, showcasing his obsession with the 'mystery' of everyday objects like pipes, hats, and bells.

La Fleur en Papier Doré

Step into the 'Golden Paper Flower,' a pub that feels frozen in time. This was the primary meeting spot for the Brussels Surrealist group, including Magritte, Marcel Mariën, and Paul Nougé. The walls are covered in eccentric drawings, poems, and scribbles left by the artists themselves. Magritte and his friends didn't just drink here; they plotted their artistic provocations and edited their journals. The atmosphere is quintessentially 'brusseleir'—unpretentious and slightly chaotic. It is said that the owner, Gerard van Bruaene, allowed artists to pay for their drinks with sketches, turning the pub into an unofficial gallery of the avant-garde movement.

Brasserie Greenwich Brussels

Continue to the Brasserie Greenwich, an exquisite Art Nouveau establishment. For years, this was Magritte's favorite spot for a very specific reason: chess. He would spend hours here every afternoon, deeply focused on the game. To Magritte, chess was the ultimate expression of logic and strategy—a stark contrast to the dreamlike illogic of his paintings. The interior remains remarkably preserved, with wood paneling and mirrors that reflect the quiet, intellectual atmosphere he craved. It is easy to imagine him sitting at one of these tables, a bowler hat resting nearby, contemplating his next move on the board and his next challenge to reality.

Place de la Reine

The walk concludes at Place de la Reine in Schaerbeek. This square is dominated by the Church of Sainte-Marie, a striking building that combines Romanesque and Byzantine styles. This neighborhood represents the later chapters of Magritte’s life. While he worked in the center, he lived in the quiet residential streets nearby. The contrast between the monumental church and the surrounding everyday urban life is perfectly Surrealist. Magritte lived a deliberately unremarkable life in a suburban setting, proving that one does not need a flamboyant lifestyle to have a revolutionary mind. From here, the city's diverse character is on full display, bridging the gap between the historic center and the residential outskirts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Magritte-themed walk through central Brussels is ideal, as it connects the Royal Museums with the historic cafes and pubs where the Surrealist movement was born. It covers about 2 kilometers of city history.