Train World, the showcase for the railways of the past, present and future, will be the new tourist attraction in Brussels (opening September 25th, 2015).  

In the museum, you will be able to appreciate the loveliest pieces from the collection of historical locomotives and carriages from the Belgian railways, like the oldest preserved steam locomotive in Belgium, the "Pays de Waes" or the steamlined "Type 12" stream locomotive, which set the world speed record in 1939. You will also admire the splendor of authentic royal carriages or wander aound the stainless stell Trans-Europe Express carriage - the predecessor of the high speed train - that once crisscrossed Europe. Feel like driving a train? Then have a try at one of the train simulators.. or study the changing environment of railways from the conductor's cabin.   

Hundreds of objects from the world of trains, such as uniforms, paintings or models of trains and stations, together with an abundance of photos and film fragments will be on display as well as three life-sized train noses of the most recent trains. The presence of an authentic 'gatekeepers house' that has been included in the new building and it is furnished with décor from the 1950s with the attic containing a landscape with miniature trains.

The site, alongside the very first rail track on the European continent, consists of the renovated Schaerbeek station, where the ticket office is located, and of a new 86,000 sq ft building. The ancient station building, from 1887, is one of the masterpieces of Belgian railway architecture and is a listed monument. A restaurant and a book & gift shop in the station completes the offering. It will also be possible to have a picnic: a restored carriage will be available in the transit area from the station to the new building for this purpose.

Train World is more than a museum: it will be an experience center. An original scenography – designed by artist François Schuiten – will provide an experience in which you can look, listen, touch and be surprised by scintillating stories from the world of trains

Train World is most easily accessible by train, and is located only an 8-minute train ride from Brussels Central station. There are 4 direct train connections with the centre of the capital every hour, all week long, and even more during peak hours (www.nmbs.be ).

There is an excellent connection with the STIB network via tram (lines 7 and 92) and bus lines 58 and 59 (Schaerbeek station stop – www.stib.be ). There is also a parking location for rental bikes close by.

The admission price for Train World is 10 € (audioguide included) for adults and 7,5 € for youngsters (65 years). Children up to 6 years have free entrance. You will be able to purchase tickets on the website, www.trainworld.be. There you will of course find all the practical information for planning a visit. A convenient and economical B-Day Excursion formula will combine a journey by public transport with a ticket hours (www.nmbs.be ).

Tourists will find other interesting destinations nearby Train World. The Autrique House is the very first striking building by Victor Horta and is accessible for visitors. Schaerbeek also has other examples of Art Nouveau buildings. The picturesque Avenue Louis Bertrand is home to the 20 ha Josaphat Park, a true open-air museum filled with sculptures. Located in the Rue Royale Sainte-Marie is the Les Halles building, a covered market with a typical, late 19th-century iron roof construction. You can stay the night without leaving the world of the railway in the Train Hostel, which is originally furnished with sleeping carriages (opening in September 2015 – www.trainhostel.be ).