Bonjour la Famille et les Amis,
On to the second half of this two part post from the capital of Europe. This post will cover an iconic site, three more museums, and another church. Though Brussels features prominently in the EU and NATO, I did not look into nor visit any sites associated with such. I took a couple of photos of EU-related buildings (modern glass structures) when I passed them – see the photo gallery. There is in fact a museum dedicated to EU history and governance called the Parlamentarium.
Atomium
The Atomium, as pictured on the left, is the iconic landmark of Brussels much as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It was constructed for the 1958 World Expo hosted by Brussels. One can go up into and explore the structure via escalators between the spheres. Within the spheres are various exhibits about the Atomium as well as the 1958 World Expo. I enjoyed the overall ambience of the place as well as the nostalgia evoked by many of the exhibits. It transported me back to Tomorrowland at Disneyland during my childhood – where science fiction and science blended together in a beautifully naïve fashion. Check out the photo gallery for the full experience.
The Museum of Natural Sciences claims to have the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe. It features the Bernissart Iguanodons which were discovered back in 1878. The collection of 30 skeletons was found in a coal mine in Bernissart, Belgium. In a basement exhibit is a series of large pictorials accompanied by explanatory panels in four languages (French, Dutch, English, German) taking one through the discovery. See the photo gallery for the pictorials/panels, and then click to go through the story at your own pace.
Museum of Natural Scienes
Musical Instruments Museum
And then there is the Musical Instruments Museum. Absolutely fascinating and I never felt so out of my depth so quickly in a museum! Simply mind boggling all the different ways people over time have come up with to make music. And yes, as pictured on the left, is a typewriter exhibited in the museum. The quote by Oscar Wilde explains its presence – “The typewriting machine, when played with expression is no more annoying than the piano when played by a sister or near relation”. One thing you will also notice when reviewing the photo gallery is the near, if not complete, absence of brass instruments. It wasn’t until later that I realized this – maybe I missed a section of the museum.
Next to the Automium is Mini-Europe. For those from Colorado, this is Tiny Town on steroids. Scale models of well-know landmarks as well as dioramas grouped by their nation. Add in some trains, ships, and even a volcano, for the most delightful and expedient walk about in Europe. Many of the architectural wonders one will instantly recognize and cherish, while others are a revelation and possible next adventure. Quite simply, this attraction alone made my trip to Brussels worthwhile – absolutely loved it!
Mini-Europe
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Lastly, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart as pictured on the left. Started in 1905 with construction completed in 1970. An Art Deco church authorized by King Leopold II who was inspired by the Basilique du Sacre Coeur in Paris. Inside the church, a more modern presentation of religious symbols make for a different experience than typically found in cathedrals and basilicas – at least in my experience. See the photo gallery for the complete collection of pictures from my visit including some from the rooftop.
That’s it for now. As always, feel free to share this link with anyone who expresses an interest. Please have a look at the gallery below for full-size versions of the photos above as well as additional photos of Brussels. As I have nearly reached the 90 day maximum stay in the Schengen Area, the next post will be from the United Kingdom up on the River Mersey.
A bientot,
Papi
Another great gallery of photos Mike. I am amazed at the craftsmanship and detail that went into creating those musical instruments.
Thank you for sharing them. Enjoy the United Kingdom.
Thanks Bill. I took a few fine woodworking classes several years ago at Red Rocks CC – basic woodworking, lathe work, and design. It was always interesting though checking out the lutherie class which was typically building guitars.
I loved the dinosaurs, and is the atomium named
after atoms? 😀🦖⚛️❤️
Hello Oliver. The name of “Atomium” is a combination of the word “Atom” and the last three characters (“ium”) of the element “Aluminium”. The configuration of the nine atoms of the structure represents an elementary iron crystal.