Train World

Train World opened in 2015 in the old station building at Schaerbeek and a large new hall behind it, and it was designed by the illustrator Francois Schuiten, which shows: rather than a line of engines under strip lighting, the locomotives are staged in a darkened space with theatrical lighting, sound and constructed settings, so the presentation is closer to a stage set than a technical display. The collection covers Belgian railway history from the 1835 Brussels to Mechelen line, the first passenger railway on the European mainland, through steam, electric and diesel, with the oldest surviving locomotive in the country, royal carriages, signal boxes, a footbridge over the tracks and a signalling installation. The 1887 station building itself is part of the visit.

History

The museum of the Belgian national railway company was set up in the preserved buildings of Schaerbeek station and a new hall beside it, with scenography by the comic book artist François Schuiten. Planned for 2014 and delayed, it was opened by King Philippe on 24 September 2015 and to the public the next day, after an investment of 20.5 million euros (Wikipedia, Train World).

Highlights

• Theatrically lit locomotives - engines staged rather than lined up.
• The 1835 line story - the first passenger railway on the mainland.
• Royal carriages - the state coaches of the Belgian monarchy.
• The 1887 Schaerbeek station - the original building as part of the museum.

When to go

Year round; it is indoors. Two to three hours. Closed Mondays. Belgian school holidays are busy with families. It is a twelve-minute train ride from Brussels Central.

Things to know

The theatrical staging means less technical detail than railway enthusiasts may want. Lighting is deliberately dim, which is hard for reading labels and for photography. It is out of the centre. Ticket prices are high for families.

Nearby

Schaerbeek is around it; central Brussels is a short train ride.

Key facts