Learn about the history of one the world's most consumed sweets and see chocolate crafted by hand before tasting several delicious varieties.
The Choco-Story in The Chocolate Museum is the best place to discover Belgium’s famous craft. The country has about 2,000 chocolatiers that produce more than 220,000 tonnes (170,000 tons) of quality chocolate each year. Learn about the country’s history of chocolate making and then taste this world-famous, freshly made delicacy.
The building the Choco-Story is housed in is a four-storey, 15th-century townhouse. Enter and see displays with information about the history of the building and the chocolate factory. On the first floor is information about the origins of chocolate and how the Aztecs and Mayans offered it to the gods. The treat was then adopted by the Spaniards, who added sweetener and adapted it to resemble the chocolate we know today.
On the second floor, learn how chocolate was first made and how the process has changed throughout the ages because of craftsmen and then later, mass production. Find information on the third floor about Belgian chocolate and how it’s connected to the Belgian royal family. See traditional chocolate-making machines and old drinking vessels.
Back on the ground floor you can see the master chocolatiers working. Watch as they craft pralines and tall chocolate statues. The chocolatiers are happy to answer any questions you have about their craft and of course, taste as many samples as you would like.
The Choco-Story is a great place to take the kids. When you enter the museum, children get stickers and are challenged to look for clues as they explore displays throughout the museum. Not just for the young ones, this is also a great visit for the sweet-toothed adult. Be sure to allow several hours to enjoy the museum.
Choco-Story is in the centre of Bruges. Get there easily on foot or by bike. The museum is open daily year-round, except Christmas Day and the second and third weeks of January. The entrance fee includes tasting samples at the end of the tour. Buy a 500-gram (18-ounce) souvenir bag of chocolate to take home.
