Adventures of Tintin in Brussels
Since he was first dreamed up by the Belgian artist Hergé (real name Georges Remi) in 1929, Tintin has captured the imaginations of generations of would-be explorers. Here are all the places you can explore the legacy of Hergé—and learn about the adventures of Tintin and his loyal dog Snowy—during your next trip to Brussels.
Hergé Museum
While it’s located roughly 21 miles (34 kilometers) south of the city center, the Hergé Museum is still the quintessential stop on any Tintin fan’s tour of Brussels and the surrounding region. Opened in 2009, the museum invites visitors to travel across three floors, learning all about Hergé’s life and creative inspirations, plus the development of his Tintin character.
Tintin Murals
Next time you find yourself in the center of Brussels, look up. The city is decorated with dozens of vibrant, comic art–themed murals, which together form the Brussels Comic Book Route. Go on a self-led walking tour and head to the Rue de l’Étuve to see the Tintin mural. Then there’s the Stockel metro station, which features a sprawling mural drawn by Hergé shortly before his death.
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Belgian Comic Strip Center
Located in a restored art nouveau building, the Belgian Comic Strip Center showcases a number of Belgian comic artists and tells the story of how the genre came to be. The museum also includes an area that’s dedicated to Hergé and is a must-see for visiting Tintin fans.
MOOF Museum
The playfully named MOOF—that’s Museum of Original Figures—is another worthy stop on a Tintin tour of Brussels. The institution also has an interest in comic strips, but its collection focuses on figurines, 3D exhibitions, and other retro collectibles. Unsurprisingly, Hergé’s works feature prominently in the museum’s galleries.
MOOF Comic's Museum single entry ticket
La Boutique Tintin
After your Tintin tour, don’t leave Brussels without souvenirs. Head to La Boutique Tintin, the official shop for Tintin merchandise. From Tintin books to T-shirts, posters to figurines, puzzles to tote bags, there’s no shortage of quirky and creative mementos to take home with you.
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Claire Bullen is an award-winning food, drinks, and travel writer and editor who has lived and worked in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Paris, and London. She is the author of The Beer Lover's Table: Seasonal Recipes and Modern Beer Pairings, and the editor at GoodBeerHunting.com. Her writing has also appeared in Time Out New York, The Daily Meal, Pellicle Magazine, and beyond.