Leaving the Parc du Cinquantenaire, we once again pass through the Triumphal Arch on our way to the metro stop beyond the park which will take us into town. 

Then it is onto the craziness of Grand Place to visit the Museum of the City, located in the old Kings House.  

We start off learning about the construction of the Town Hall, located across Grand Place which we will visit next, in a room with some original sculptures, then move on to exhibits of porcelain made here in the city, a wall tapestry from the 16^th century and more historical relics.  

There is a cool model of Brussels (so suburban) in the 13^th century, and then some great historical photos of the Triumphal Arch inauguration and the city market in Grand Place with the Town Hall towering above.  As well as a St. Michael the fighter statue, the symbol of the City of Brussels, that was placed on the top of the Town Hall in 1455.  

Then of course there is a room devoted entirely to the Manneken-Pis, that Brussels icon of a urinating child (allegedly based on Cupid who supposedly was often shown urinating) that has been in existence since the mid-15^th Century.  The exhibit is actually quite interesting as it tells the history “dressing” the statue as early as 1747.  And, unbeknownst to us, the original statue was actually stolen in 1965 when the statue is broken in two, leaving behind only his feet and ankles.  A year later, an anonymous tip led officials to find the body of the statue in the canal – both pieces have been in the museum ever since and the current statue is simply a replica.  There is a great touchscreen that shows all the different costumes, that have adorned the Manneken-Pis over the years, and from where they originate. Gotta love the Mickey Mouse costume!

Leaving the City History museum, we navigate our way across the crowded Grand Place to the City of Brussels Town Hall, which is only open from 3 to 7pm on the weekend. We can tour the interior, with the help of a VR guide that, once again, features cute actor voices and tells a little story of a museum guide and a visitor after hours.  Built in the 15^th Century, over the span of 55 years, its tower soars 300 feet in the air and is taller than the Cathedral of St. Michael and the Ducal Palace. 

Inside we walk through room after room of just ornate and opulent decorations – I can’t even imagine working here every day.  It is just so gorgeous and, well, opulent.  We start in the council chambers, with gorgeous ceiling friezes. 

And then just follow our little Virtual Guides through room after room that now I can’t even begin to tell you for what they are used.  Just enjoy the photos!  It is an amazing blur at this point in time. 

And if you ever wondered if these are actually working rooms – just take a look at this little statue on a desk in one of the over the top “offices.”  Motorhead!  Yep, someone really does use this room.  Oh – and there are business cards on another desk as well.  Wow. 

There is also a huge, long portrait gallery and then finally a nave, complete with an Altar – for weddings maybe?  Don’t know but it is all pretty incredible.

Finishing with the Town Hall, we had originally planned to return back to the apartment, but a sweet guy at the City Museum told us we should go to the Manneken-Pis museum to see all the different outfits because it was just a fun little side-stop.  Again, what the heck?  It is only a 5-minute walk away, and we get to pass by the real Manneken-Pis in his current day costume on the way.  Bonus.

And our sweet guy was right!  The little museum is adorable – displaying so many different costumes, with locations and explanations.  It is really a fun stop. And included with the Brussels Card – don’t know that I’d make a special trip and pay extra for it, but for us, it was definitely worth the stop. 

And the totally cool mural on the side of the building is worth a visit as well.

And that does totally finish our very full museum day.  Hopping the metro back to the apartment, we spend the rest of the evening on the terrace with drinks and then dinner of kartoffelsalat (Belgium style!) and meatball cakes sauteed up on our apartment stove. 

Perfect end to the day.