The collection originated from the private assemblage of Ghislain Mahy, a Belgian car enthusiast.
The building is part of the Cinquantenaire arch complex, commissioned by King Leopold II to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence.
The museum showcases a rare 1920s Minerva, once a luxury Belgian brand that rivaled Rolls-Royce.
The hall features a massive glass and iron roof structure, typical of 19th-century industrial architectural style.
The museum includes a dedicated section for microcars, illustrating post-war European automotive necessity.
Several exhibits feature royal vehicles previously used by the Belgian monarchy.
Autoworld is a premier automotive museum located in the southern hall of the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels. The collection features over 250 historic vehicles, documenting the evolution of the automobile from the late 19th century to the modern era. Exhibits are housed within a landmark glass-vaulted exhibition hall built for the 1880 National Exhibition. The permanent collection highlights Belgian automotive heritage, including notable brands like Minerva and FN. Rotating temporary exhibitions focus on specific marques, racing history, or cultural automotive themes. The museum space is designed with an open-floor layout to accommodate large vehicle displays. Its location inside the historic Palais Mondial complex offers architectural significance beyond the car collection. Visitors can explore various technological milestones, from early steam-powered prototypes to iconic luxury sports cars.
The elevated viewing platforms that provide an overview of the main hall floor showing the concentration of vintage vehicles under the arching roof.
Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy clearer lines of sight for photography.
Check the official website ahead of your visit for the current temporary exhibition schedule as it changes frequently.
Use the museum’s audio guide to understand the technical context of the rarer vintage models.
Do not attempt to touch the vehicles, as most are preserved in pristine, functional condition and are protected by strict security protocols.
Open daily, including weekends and public holidays, though individual exhibition zones may occasionally close for installation.
