Tintin the curious young reporter with his loyal dog Snowy has been part of popular culture for nearly a century. Created by Belgian artist Hergé, he became more than a comic character. Through Tintin’s travels, Hergé captured a sense of curiosity and wonder that still connects with readers today.
A Quiet Introduction in Brussels
Stepping out of Brussels Central Station, the first thing that caught my eye was a billboard of Tintin and Snowy perched atop a nearby building. Its prominence was unmistakable, impossible to miss for anyone whose young heart had once been ruled by these beloved characters.
I stood still for a moment realizing I was in the very city where Hergé had brought Tintin to life. A quick check on Google Maps showed that the Hergé Museum was less than an hour away by train, more than enough reason to visit the museum.
Inside the World of Hergé
Tintin first appeared in 1929 in a children’s newspaper called Le Petit Vingtième. His creator, Georges Remi, who signed his work as Hergé, built a world that was detailed, witty, and consistent.
Hergé’s art looked simple, yet detailed. He worked with maps, photos, and clippings to make his settings feel real. Some early works, such as Tintin in the Congo, later drew criticism for colonial views, and Hergé didn’t shy away from admitting that. His later books show a noticeable shift more empathy, more nuance.
The Hergé Museum Experience
The Hergé Museum, located in Louvain-la-Neuve, is a piece of art in itself. Designed by Christian de Portzamparc, it’s a sharp, geometric structure surrounded by quiet greenery. The building feels open and bright much like Hergé’s drawings.
Inside, the layout is clear and uncluttered. Each section traces a different part of Hergé’s career early sketches, storyboards, finished pages, and displays about his characters. There’s background music and subtle lighting that make the place feel calm and reflective.
One room displays Hergé’s hand-drawn sketches, showing how every expression and movement was planned. His “ligne claire” style clear lines and balanced detail is often imitated but rarely matched.
Highlights and Details
As an aviation enthusiast, two Tintin books have always stood out for me: Flight 714 to Sydney, with the Carreidas jet, and Explorers on the Moon, with the rocket. In Flight 714, I was fascinated by the Carreidas 160, both inside and out. It’s shown as a twin jet in red and white, but for the 1960s, Hergé’s design was ahead of its time. Real twin engine jets like the HFB 320 Hansa were just emerging, yet the Carreidas 160 had multiple engines and detailed features that made it feel realistic.
At the museum, seeing Hergé’s design sketches made it even more impressive. The level of detail went far beyond the comic, almost like real engineering drawings. Every part of the plane, from structure to interior, was carefully planned. It showed just how much thought Hergé put into making his fictional aircraft believable.
Tintin’s Legacy Beyond Comics
The museum also shows how Tintin’s influence extends far beyond the books. One exhibit mentions Jacques Piccard, the Belgian explorer who named his submersible after Tintin. Another looks at how Hergé’s art influenced design, cinema, and even architecture.
Before leaving, I stopped at the souvenir shop a quiet space with a curated collection of Tintin books, prints, figurines, and other memorabilia. Everything felt well-made and thoughtfully presented, more like an art store than a tourist stop.
For Visitors
The Hergé Museum offers a calm and engaging experience for anyone visiting Brussels, Belgium. Its well-organized exhibits make it easy to follow Hergé’s work, from early sketches to finished pages, while allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Even if Tintin is new to you, the museum provides a clear look at the creativity and discipline behind his stories. Spending a few hours here gives a deeper appreciation of the art, the storytelling, and the cultural impact of one of Belgium’s most iconic artists.
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