The permanent collections of all federal museums, including the KBR Museum, Museum of Ancient Art, Fin-de-Siècle Museum and Royal Museum of Central Africa, are open free of charge to people over the age of 65 during the 19 July heatwave.
State Secretary for Recovery, Strategic Investments & Science Policy Thomas Dermine announced in a tweet on Monday that the federal museums (described as "urban oases of coolness") will be accessible free of charge to over 65s and their companions during the exceptional temperatures on 19 July.
As Belgium and much of Europe is hit by a record heatwave, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 39-40°C today. These temperatures can have a severe negative impact on vulnerable populations, including the elderly.
The heads of the federal museums are hoping that by allowing older people to enter for free, they can aid those most sensitive to the heat wave in the air-conditioned spaces while also showcasing the museum collections.
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"The primary mission of our major museums is obviously to showcase a collection. But they are also institutions open to society and at the service of the population," Dermine said in a comment on all federal museum websites. "Their spaces, which are actually public spaces, must be made fully available to vulnerable people in the event of extreme weather."
All rooms in the museums' permanent collections are accessible to those with limited mobility with ramps or elevators. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium will allow free access to the Old Masters and Fin-de-Siècle collections. Guided tours in sign language plus special tours for blind visitors in French and Dutch are available.
