Marc Sleen Museum

On 19 June 2009, the Marc Sleen Museum was opened to the public, with the presence of Marc Sleen, as well as King Albert II of Belgium.[1] The king was a fan of Nero since his youth and both him and his brother King Baudouin of Belgium learned Dutch by reading Nero.[2]

Its location is symbolic, since Marc Sleen started his career as cartoonist while working for the newspaper De Nieuwe Gids in 1947, whose office was located on Rue des Sables.[3] The original building was built by architects Fernand Brunfaut and his son Maxime Brunfaut.

The museum is managed by the Marc Sleen Foundation (Dutch: Stichting Marc Sleen).[4][5] It exhibits original art work and memorabilia by Marc Sleen, as well as an overview of his long and versatile career, including his nature documentaries which he made for the Belgian TV show Allemaal Beestjes ("All kinds of animals").[6] About 15,000 drawings are archived in the cellars and available for temporary exhibitions.[7][8]

The museum has a reading corner for children. Comic book albums by Sleen can be bought as well. One specific story, Het Spook uit de Zandstraat ("The Ghost of the Zandstraat") has been translated into English, French and German, and is made available as a souvenir for tourists.[9] Temporary exhibitions are also organised.[10]

The museum is open every day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., except on Mondays.[11]

The museum organises a special tourists' route in Brussels, based on several locations that appeared in Nero comic book albums, including the Black Tower, Palace of Justice, Chapel Church, Sablon/Zavel, Central Station, Grand Place and Manneken Pis. One has to make an appointment, though.[12][13]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marc Sleen Museum.

• Official site