Far East museums - Chinese Pavilion - Japanese Tower

Quite a while since my last post and you know what? I don't even feel guilty! Our family got +1 again and even when we do get out of our place - which happens not as often, but we do our best - photo camera is not even making it to top 10 things to pack with us. Visiting any place with a baby and a toddler is also something close of extreme sport.

I do have some "stories" waiting in my virtual drawer though, and I guess it's time to dig them up. I am not even thinking of writing regularly - not until spring at least - but doesn't mean I can't drop a topic every now and then to feed the crowd hungry of my words ;)

As cold days settled for good and we can enjoy the typical Belgium weather a lot these days, I prefer to skip the outdoor places that look gorgeous in the sun - why would I want to torture myself? We go indoors then. We go to Far East museums.

Now, despite my platonic love with Japanese culture, adding to it very real love for Asian cuisine, I don't think I would stumble upon this museum if not the "very hard to miss" landmark - Japanese tower emerging from within the trees. If you ever drove around Laeken, possibly going for a movie to Kinepolis, or looking for Atomium - you probably past by the tower. If you drove just next to it, you must have seen the Chinese pavilion just across the street as well. I did, I even stopped by to take some pictures outside and I was completely set on visiting both one day.

One day has come and we packed up our little one (our little two was still firmly attached to my body making travel easy) and set of to see our friend and have a good time.

It didn't take much investigation to find the story of the place, so I will just send you to the official website for details and myself I'll focus on the impressions.

Museum consists of three buildings - the pavilion, the tower, and small building behind the pavilion that was originally meant to be a garage. We started with the latter, being now Museum of Japanese art.

Big part of Japanese art seems to be martial arts, as the collection consists mostly of old weaponry and armours. Besides that, you will also find beautiful kimonos, screens and other pieces. Quite a treat if you're into those things.

Chinese pavilion is an exhibit on its own. Even though it contains collection of Chinese porcelain, what's most fascinating is the building itself. Ground floor is covered in gold, with stunning ornaments and wall paintings.

Beautiful stairs lead to upper floor with bunch of amazing rooms in different styles, and some kind of a play room with games available for kids.

On that matter - the museum might not be super-kids-friendly - but it's definitely kids safe. We didn't have to shout out "don't touch it" too much, and there's even mentioned play room and outdoor playground for the little ones, so don't fear taking them along. Our toddler loved the trip.

Taking the underground passage you cross the street to see the little zen garden and the tower placed in it. The garden looks beautiful, but is not accessible except for the peek view from the outside.

Unfortunately you can't climb the tower - huge disappointment. The inside though is absolutely wonderful and worthy seeing if only for the amazing glass works all over. For that one I recommend visiting on a day with at least a bit of sunshine.

 
Altogether it's fairly small museum, even counting all the buildings together. Most people visit it only from the outside - which is free. We even saw couple of buses of tourists that came in like a hurricane to take some photos and as quickly disappeared to hit the next "must-see" object on their express tour around Brussels.

I do recommend taking a bit more "Zen" approach to the visit - take your time, enjoy the visit, cherish the artworks. If you're looking for filling in some time - try to find the Tai-Chi group that exercises at the premises. We saw some people just as we were visiting and frankly, what could possibly be a better place for that in Brussels?