Choco-Story Brussels — The Chocolate Museum of Brussels

Choco-Story Brussels, a living museum to discover

At 41 Rue de l'Étuve, just steps from Manneken-Pis and the Grand-Place, Choco-Story Brussels tells the story of cocoa and chocolate, from the bean to the famous Belgian praline. It is a living museum to discover: you do not just look at display cases, you watch a master chocolatier at work, you taste, and, if you wish, you can make your own chocolates.

A story of chocolate families

The museum was founded in 1998 by Jo Draps, daughter of Pierre Draps, one of the founders of Godiva. Under the name of the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, it was introduced as the first chocolate museum in Belgium. Since 2007, it has been run by her daughter, Peggy Van Lierde.

In May 2014, the Van Lierde – Draps family joined forces with the Van Belle family, who had already created Choco-Story Bruges: the museum became Choco-Story Brussels. In early 2019, it left Rue de la Tête d'Or to move to Rue de l'Étuve, into historic buildings dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, spanning 1,800 m².

5,000 years of history, from the Mayan temple to the praline

The tour takes visitors through a Mayan temple, where beans were consumed 5,000 years ago, and then aboard Cortés's ship, which brought cocoa back to Europe. Visitors then discover how chocolate was enjoyed at the French Royal Court in the 17th century, before arriving in early 20th-century Belgium. Over 600 collection items, interactive kiosks, and an audio guide available in 11 languages accompany the visit, which lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

Brussels, the cradle of the praline

The museum places special emphasis on the praline, which was born in Brussels: in 1912, Jean Neuhaus invented the first filled chocolate, and in 1915 his wife designed the ballotin box to showcase it. According to the museum, the craftsmanship and tradition of Belgian chocolate were recognized in 2025 as part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region, with the support of Choco-Story Brussels.

Demonstration, tasting, and workshops

What brings the visit to life is the artisanal praline-making demonstration and the tasting included with the ticket, featuring a genuine Belgian praline. To extend the experience, the "tablet" workshop allows participants to create their own personalized chocolate bar, lollipops, and mendiants alongside a chocolatier, and to leave with their creations and an apron. Workshops take place four times a day (10:30, 12:00, 14:00, and 15:30) and are open to children aged 7 and up; children aged 7 to 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

The museum also offers guided tours for groups, in partnership with the non-profit organization Itinéraires, as well as school visits, birthday parties, and team-building events.

More sustainable chocolate

The museum's chocolate carries the Cacao-Trace label: cocoa beans are purchased above local market prices, and a bonus of €0.10 per kilo of chocolate sold is paid directly back to the farmers. The museum also collaborates with the Haute École Lucia de Brouckère to train young people in the chocolatier trade.

Practical information

Choco-Story Brussels is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (last admission at 17:00). Admission prices with audio guide: €16 for adults (27–65 years), €14 for youths (12–26 years) and seniors over 65, €10 for children (3–11 years). The museum is included with the Brussels Card, and a combined ticket with the Frietmuseum is available. Online booking is recommended to avoid queues. The museum is closed on 25 December and 1 January, as well as for a few days in early January 2027: please check the dates on the official website before your visit.

Information consulted on the official website on 6 November 2026; please verify before your visit.

Sources

Official website of Choco-Story Brussels (visit, history of Belgian chocolate, Cacao-Trace): https://www.choco-story-brussels.be/

Opening hours, prices, and address: https://www.choco-story-brussels.be/informations

Chocolate workshops: https://www.choco-story-brussels.be/ateliers

History of the museum and founding families, RTL Info: https://www.rtl.be/partenaire/choco-story-brussels-une-visite-qui-un-gout-savoureux/2024-09-25/article/714731

Move to Rue de l'Étuve, Medi-Sphere: https://www.medi-sphere.be/fr/loisirs/le-musee-choco-story-brussels.html

First chocolate museum in Belgium, Museum of the City of Brussels: https://www.brusselscitymuseum.brussels/fr/evenement/jeudis-de-lhistoire-bruxelles-et-le-chocolat