The museum holds thirty complete Iguanodon skeletons found over 300 meters underground in 1878.
It is the only museum in the world where visitors can see so many original, articulated dinosaur skeletons in one place.
The institute maintains a collection of over 38 million specimens, making it one of the largest natural history collections in Europe.
The research unit is the national authority for monitoring the health of the Belgian North Sea.
It maintains a specialized library with over 200,000 monographs and thousands of scientific journals.
The building integrates modern architectural wings with the original 19th-century museum structure.
The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is home to the Gallery of Dinosaurs, one of the largest museum halls in Europe dedicated to dinosaur exhibits. The museum houses a significant collection of Iguanodon bernissartensis skeletons discovered in a coal mine in Bernissart, Belgium, in 1878. It operates as both a public museum and a prominent federal research institute focused on biology, geology, and oceanography. The permanent exhibition, 'Living Planet,' displays over 800 specimens showcasing the diversity of life on Earth. The 'Minerals' gallery features a vast array of crystals, gemstones, and meteorites found within Belgian territory and abroad. Research facilities include specialized labs for taxonomy, genetics, and ecology. The institution plays a key role in monitoring the Belgian part of the North Sea and identifying invasive species. It is a founding member of the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities.
The main glass-walled staircase overlooking the skeleton displays in the Dinosaur Gallery.
Visit the 'Gallery of Dinosaurs' first to avoid larger crowds later in the day.
Use the free lockers provided in the lobby to store heavy coats and bags for a more comfortable visit.
Check the 'Living Planet' section for interactive climate change modules that are updated periodically.
Do not rush through the lower floors; the most significant dinosaur displays are located in the dedicated wing.
Closed on Mondays.
Photography is permitted without flash; maintain a quiet tone near study areas.
