Belgium’s most loved surrealist, René Magritte, now has the 26,000 square foot (2,400 square meter) Musée Magritte dedicated to his works. In 1926 Magritte was a founding member of the Belgian Surrealists group. His works play with contrasts intended to shake the intellect.
The museum opened in 2009 and houses over 250 artworks and archival pieces. His trademark motifs of bowler hats, birds and the female torso appear in many favorite works including Sky Bird and Empire of Light.
An afternoon at the museum gives an interesting insight into Brussels from the 1920s to the 1960s and the cultural movements that shaped the city.
Magritte's paintings are said to have influenced the ‘pop’ artists including Andy Warhol and later Jasper Johns.
The museum is close to both Gare Centrale and Parc train stations, the walk from Parc is southwest through the beautiful Parc de Bruxelles to Koningstraat. Alternatively any of the trams or buses that travel along Koningstraat will pass the museum, jump off at Koningsplein and the imposing museum will be on the southwest corner.
