Belgium Celebrates Fête de la Musique as Brussels’ Musical Instruments Museum Marks 25th Anniversary
Brussels, The Gulf Observer: This weekend, Belgium is alive with sound as the country celebrates its annual Fête de la Musique, offering hundreds of free live concerts across Brussels and Wallonia. Adding to the festivities, the capital’s Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) is commemorating 25 years in its historic Old England building atop Mont des Arts.
Founded in 1877, the museum initially housed its collection in a Royal Conservatoire annex. Over the years, the growing collection demanded better space. The elegant Old England department store, originally established in 1882, became the museum’s permanent home in 2000 after extensive restoration.
Art historian Stéphane Colin, a double bass player and long-time museum guide, recounted the institution’s storied journey. “This building is not only a symbol of Brussels’ architectural heritage but also of its deep-rooted musical culture,” he noted.
To celebrate the milestone and the music festival, the MIM has opened its doors to the public for free today, offering guided tours, workshops, live performances, and exclusive access to restricted areas.
Colin emphasized the museum’s unique global importance: “We house one of the richest and most diverse collections of musical instruments in the world – from prehistoric pieces to modern-day marvels, representing cultures from every continent.”
The MIM continues to resonate not only as a museum of objects, but as a living temple of sound, engaging hearts through the universal language of music.
