Maison d'Érasme Brussels
A humanist's home in Brussels
It seems that almost every important thinker, philosopher and writer has passed through Brussels at some point: Victor Hugo, Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Verlaine, Karl Marx... to name a few. Erasmus, the Dutch Renaissance thinker and humanist, who went on to found a highly popular student exchange programme, lived in Anderlecht for a few months on his way to France.
At the time, Anderlecht was a thriving cultural hotspot and an important seat of learning. These days, it is a quiet neighborhood in the West of Brussels, often overlooked by tourists and locals alike. That's a shame, though. The house where Erasmus stayed is now a fascinating museum, full of old manuscripts and artifacts that document his work, humanist learning and the general atmosphere of the period.
When I went, I was almost alone in the museum and had the elusive Brussels sun shone, I would have lingered to enjoy the medieval herb garden in the courtyard. Even with the rain, it was a great experience.
The entrance ticket also grants you entry to the nearby Béguinage, which is definitely worth a visit. I took advantage of being in Anderlecht to have a look around the area and there are some interesting old streets and traditional brown bars.
Find your way with 293 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Brussels
Chicago Café
My go-to brunch spot
"Chicago Café" is my favorite brunch spot in Brussels! They offer all-day breakfast & brunch and I recommend coming with friends - the portions are huge!
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Le Conteur
Middle-Eastern Flavors
Dishes come with bold and rich flavors, which blend different cultures and cuisines. Our choices fell on some mezze, including a tasty paprika hummus...
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Nightshop
Natural Wines in Sainte-Catherine
Standing in front of what looked like an open garage, a busy wine bar like no other was waiting for me. Looking at it, I was mesmerized...
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Kunstenfestivaldesarts
All you need is art
"Kunstenfestivaldesarts" Berlin is an international art festival I volunteer for each May which gathers some of the best contemporary artists around.
by
Davy
Verbeke
Place Sainte-Catherine
Vibrant square in Brussels
"Place Sainte-Catherine" is one of Brussels' most characteristic zones, and although tourists love it, locals love it even more for its versatility!
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Jardin des Sculptures
My zen place in Brussels
"Jardin des Sculptures" in Brussels is a little green oasis that forms a perfect combination of nature and arts. A true hidden gem...
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Cement Truck
Not your average piece of art
"Cement Truck" by Wim Delvoye is a unique piece that's a scaled-down model of a cement truck constructed in the Flemish Baroque style. An ode to opposites!
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Monk Bar
Bar with a surprise in the back
"Monk Bar" Brussels has it all: a very wide selection of beers, cocktails, a nice terrace, live music on Saturdays AND a spaghetti restaurant out back!
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Heading to Brussels?
293 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 293 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Brussels
Get to know our other Spotters from Brussels
As featured on:
