Where else can you stand face to face with Continental Europe's oldest locomotive and then drive a futuristic train through tomorrow's Brussels?

Welcome to Train World, Belgium's official railway museum, where 175 years of rail history come alive in the heart of Brussels.

Housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century station and a striking modern exhibition hall, this 8,000-square-meter museum tells the story of how trains transformed Belgium and connected Europe. From steam giants to sleek electric locomotives, every corner reveals another chapter in the extraordinary story of rail travel.

From Station to Showcase

Train World opened its doors in September 2015, inaugurated by King Philippe of Belgium, bringing together decades of railway heritage into one spectacular location. The museum incorporates the historic Schaerbeek station building, transforming its former ticket hall into an elegant exhibition space.

The project required an investment of over €20.5 million and took longer than expected to complete, but the wait proved worthwhile. The museum's logo, designed by renowned comic book artist François Schuiten, hints at the creative storytelling approach that awaits visitors inside.

Rolling Stock and Railway Treasures

The museum's crown jewel is "Le Pays de Waes," an 1845 steam locomotive that holds the distinction of being the oldest preserved locomotive in Continental Europe. This magnificent machine stands among 22 historic locomotives and railway vehicles that span the evolution of rail transport.

Beyond the trains themselves, the collection includes 1,200 railway objects, from vintage luggage and uniforms to an original 19th-century railway bridge. The displays trace Belgium's pivotal role in European railway development, showcasing everything from elegant passenger carriages to powerful electric and diesel locomotives.

Interactive Time Travel

What sets Train World apart is its blend of historic preservation and cutting-edge technology. The museum features an interactive train simulator where visitors can take the controls and drive through present-day Brussels, and even experience a vision of the city's future.

The architecture itself tells a story, with the historic station building connected to a contemporary exhibition shed. One striking feature is a railway viaduct deck that once crossed the Senne River, now repurposed as a raised viewing platform, letting visitors literally walk on railway history while surveying the collection below.

Train World Highlights & Tips

• Le Pays de Waes Locomotive Don't miss this 1845 steam engine, the oldest surviving locomotive in Continental Europe and a masterpiece of early railway engineering.
• Train Simulator Experience Try the interactive simulator to drive a train through modern and future Brussels. It's engaging for both children and adults.
• Historic Schaerbeek Station Explore the beautifully preserved 19th-century station building, where the former ticket hall now serves as an atmospheric exhibition space.
• Railway Bridge Display Walk across the repurposed viaduct deck that once spanned the Senne River, offering unique elevated views of the locomotive collection.
• Getting There by Train Fittingly, Train World is easily accessible by rail. The museum is located in Schaerbeek, a municipality of Brussels, near the historic station.
• Plan for Two Hours Minimum With over 8,000 square meters of exhibits and 22 locomotives to explore, allow at least two hours to fully appreciate the collection.
• Family-Friendly Activities The museum offers interactive elements throughout, making it engaging for visitors of all ages, not just railway enthusiasts.

Train World does more than display old locomotives. It connects us to the moment when Belgium helped pioneer European rail travel, forever changing how people moved, worked, and imagined distance.

Whether you're a dedicated railway enthusiast or simply curious about the machines that shaped modern Europe, this museum offers a journey worth taking. The combination of historic artifacts, immersive experiences, and stunning presentation makes Train World a destination that honors the past while racing toward the future.