The building was originally commissioned by George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, as a dental clinic for underprivileged children.
The museum collection includes over 1,500 objects representing the diverse history of the European continent.
The building's renovation added a glass roof and an additional floor to the historic structure, maintaining the original Art Deco facade.
The permanent exhibition is presented in all 24 official languages of the European Union.
The architectural design was a collaboration between Chaix & Morel, JSWD Architekten, and TPF Engineering.
The museum explicitly addresses the 'memory culture' of Europe, showing how different countries remember the same historical events differently.
The building is located in the heart of the European Quarter, physically situated between the European Parliament buildings.
The museum's creation was inspired by a 2007 initiative by the European Parliament to document the history of European integration.
The permanent exhibit covers the continent's history from the French Revolution to the present day.
Original Kodak-branded dental equipment remains part of the architectural history of the site.
The House of European History is a contemporary museum located within the Parc Léopold in Brussels, focusing on the transnational history of Europe from the 19th century to the present. The permanent exhibition is arranged chronologically, starting with the evolution of the European continent's myths and identities and moving toward modern integration. It utilizes a vast collection of objects, from everyday artifacts to significant political documents, to illustrate shared historical experiences. The museum is housed in the renovated Eastman Building, a former dental clinic designed by Michel Polak in 1935. It is a project of the European Parliament and aims to foster understanding of European unity and conflict. The exhibits are curated to present multiple perspectives on historical events, reflecting the diverse narratives of different European nations. Visitors encounter interactive displays and multimedia installations throughout the gallery floors. The museum emphasizes the impact of global wars and the subsequent peace-building efforts in shaping current governance. It serves as a central hub for discourse on what it means to be European in the 21st century.
The central spiral staircase, which offers a striking architectural contrast between the historic 1930s framework and modern design.
Download the museum's digital guide or use the provided handheld tablets for deeper context on specific exhibits.
Check the calendar for temporary exhibitions, which often provide granular detail on niche historical topics not covered in the permanent collection.
Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes as the exhibition spans several floors and encourages extensive exploration.
Trying to read every single label, which can lead to fatigue; prioritize the interactive digital exhibits that interest you most.
Closed on Mondays. Open daily throughout the rest of the week.
