Comic Attractions In Brussels

Brussels is not only the capital of the European Union, but is home to some internationally loved comic book characters and their authors. The various Brussels attractions dedicated to comics make it a wonderful place to explore. Find out about where you can get your share of comic fun in the heart of Europe!

Brussels was home to the creator of the most famous comic creations in history, Tintin. The intrepid boy detective was the invention of Georges Remi, otherwise known as Hergé. Born in Brussels in 1907, the artist Hergé created Tintin in 1929 while working for Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle. Hergé had been a keen Boy Scout as a teenager, and kept his enthusiasm for adventure and exciting news stories when he grew up. He decided to create the character of the young reporter whose curiosity and cleverness turned him into a detective. ‘Tintin in the Land of the Soviets' was the first Tintin adventure, and proved a success with all ages. Both Hergé and Tintin became household names in Belgium, and Tintin was soon known around the world. In total, 24 Tintin adventures have been published, taking him everywhere from Brussels, China, Scotland, America, Egypt and even to space! The adventures of the boy explorer continue to enthrall modern audiences, and attract visitors to the Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve. You'll find the best time to visit the museum is the first Sunday of every month, when entrance is free.

Another famous comic export from Brussels are everyone's favorite little blue imps, The Smurfs, created by Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo. He was initially famous for a series of comics based in the Middle Ages, which starred the characters Johan and Peewit. The Smurfs were introduced in the Belgian weekly comic Spirou in 1958, in the Johan and Peewit adventure ‘The Flute with Six Holes.' The blue skinned imps were immediately popular, and spawned their own range of adventure comics and merchandise, as well as the famous Hanna-Barbera cartoons in the 1980s and two big-budget Smurfs movies. These aren't the only famous names from the world of Belgian comics. Jean Roba, born in Schaerbeek in Brussels, created his "Boule et Bill" comics in 1959. Marc Sleen created his popular comic book character, Nero in his home country of Belgium in 1947.

The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a great place to visit if you are on a comic tour of Brussels. Situated in the centre of the city, the Belgian Comic Strip Center is one of the most popular attractions in Brussels. The permanent and temporary exhibition draws around 200,000 visitors every year. The museum is located in the former Waucquez Warehouse, an incredible Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. Although it is located in the home of Tintin and the Smurfs, the Belgian Comic Strip Center showcases comics from around Europe. Permanent exhibitions include a journey through the birth of comic strips and the art of comic strips, as well as an exhibition dedicated to the Horta and the Waucquez Warehouse. A changing calendar of temporary exhibitions is held on the Belgian Comic Strip Center's third floor. If you head to a nearby flea market, you might be lucky enough to find a comic book from one of these amazing artists.

Brussels Comic Attractions

Another great comic themed Brussels attraction is the Marc Sleen Museum, which looks at Nero and other works by this popular Belgian comic book artist. Visitors to Brussels who enjoy comics will love the city's Comic Strip Route. A stroll around the city centre will lead you past dozens of frescoes on building walls, each depicting a comic strip. The paintings feature works by the likes of Hergé, Roba, Herman, Jijé Carin, Sleen and many more.

Round off a day exploring comics in Brussels with a trip to the famous Comics Café, a 200 seat restaurant dedicated to nothing but comics. Original sketches and paintings by local and international comic artists hang on the walls, and there is a room devoted to Tintin. Waiters serve up meals like a Popeye Burger and (for those with a big appetite) the Obelix Burger, as well as Belgian specialties like Flemish beef stew and Belgian endive soup with truffles. Also on site is a Comics Shop with a collection of new, rare and vintage comics and comic related art and objects. Not far from the cafe and these various comic attractions, you'll find comfortable and stylish accommodation at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Brussels, which is right in the heart of the city. If you're looking to try some unique Belgian cuisine, head to the on-site restaurant, Atrium, that serves seasonal local dishes using fresh ingredients.

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