The unfortunate tourists had no idea that the agent had 
neglected to show them one of the most important museums 
in the world. 1 do not say this lightly, nor would 1 use the 
phrase for fear of being accused of exaggeration, had 1 not 
several times heard it from the lips of some of the most im¬ 
portant men in France, England and America. 
How shall we explain the indifference of the public, 
both Belgian and foreign, with regard to our collections? For 
many years our museums were housed in the old exhibition 
buildings, where it was impossible to show them properly 
in series. Everybody knew this, and knew also that no time 
should be lost in bringing about a change, but a long period 
elapsed before the erection of new buildings was seriously 
undertaken. Then the war interrupted the work and at the 
present time only one part of the building is finished but in 
it may be found the jewels of our national industry. 
Foreigners who come to our country take a lot of trouble 
— and very rightly — to visit the art treasures in the various 
towns. Is it not therefore illogical for them, while they are in 
the capital, to omit a visit to the museum, which is a syn¬ 
thesis of the w hole ? 
In the very first room they will find some marvellous 
specimens of Fifteenth Century Tapestry among which is 
placed the cradle of Charles V, assuredly a curiosity among 
historic documents. Near by is a charming room devoted to 
the Fifteenth Century. The ceiling is from Ypres, the chim¬ 
ney-piece from Bruges, a door from Mons ; on the wall are 
tapestries and altar-pieces from Brussels, and in the centre 
a marble Virgin, a masterpiece of French sculpture. Then 
the admiring visitor passes through a series of rooms con¬ 
taining furniture, tapestry, sculpture and pottery from the 
sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. In one big hall, which 
faces the Avenue de Tervueren, the most n sensational 
pieces are collected : ivories, gold- and silversmiths work, 
enamels, etc., among them being some notable altar-pieces 
and tapestries unrivalled in the whole world. 
The Mosan gold- and silversmiths’ work in this room 
inspired the Director of a very great foreign museum to say to 
me one day : " When a collection possesses but one such 
piece it is proud, but you have whole cases full of them. 
The best specimens of religious art are collected in a 
“ chapel ”. The collection of Delft, on the first floor, is literally 
unrivalled and lovers of Dutch Pottery are agreed that no¬ 
where can its equal be found. There are numerous series of 
other European porcelains which 1 can only mention 
cursorily ; also the superb Tournai Room, the collection of 
tissues, of embroideries, and particularly of Belgian lace, in¬ 
cluding the celebrated foot-coverlet of Albert and Isabella 
(1599). 
Well! Is not all this worth a visit? How can anyone really 
come to Belgium in order to admire its art treasures and not 
pay at least one visit to the Royal Museum of the Cinquan- 
tenaire ? Is it not a betrayal of the trust our visitors have in 
our discrimination if we do not take them to this sanctuary 
of our artistic glories ? 
And I have not even mentioned the other collections, 
mostly archaeological, or composed of foreign curiosities. 
First, a series relating to Ancient Belgium, showing the 
development of civilization from the Stone Age to the Frank 
Period. 
In the Antique section, still in the condemned buildings, 
there are good collections of monuments from Asia Minor, 
Egypt, Greece and Rome. Many travellers will be delighted 
with our tomb of the Ancient Empire, lit up in a way which 
allows them to appreciate the delicate reliefs. 
We can also show them one of the rare authentic 
portraits of Tutankhamen and a wonderful bas-relief of the 
famous Queen Tiyi. And while speaking of Tutankhamen, 
I should add that the installations of the Queen Elizabeth 
Egyptological Foundation ", founded by Belgians in Egypt 
in memory of their Sovereign s visit to the famous tomb, is 
housed in this museum 
Before closing, may 1 express the wish that in future, 
thanks to the readers of " j4nglc-Belgian I\otes " our English 
friends, when they come to Brussels, will insist on the tourist- 
agencies including one visit to the " Royal Museum of the 
Cinquantenaire " ? 1 can guarantee that it will interest them 
intensely. 
Jean CAPART. 
Extract from “ Anglo-Belgian Notes “, September 1924. 
