Belgium has over 2,000 chocolatiers and produces more than 220,000 tonnes (170,000 tons) of chocolate products each year. Learn all about the country's famous confectionery at Choco-Story, The Chocolate Museum, and then enjoy freshly made samples.
Choco-Story is housed in a rare four-storey 15th-century townhouse. In its entrance hall, read the displays containing information on the history of the building as well as background on Bruges' chocolate industry. On the first floor, learn why chocolate was important to the Aztecs and Mayans and how they used it as an offering to the gods. Next, discover how the Spaniards adopted and adapted chocolate, making it sweeter.
Then climb to the second floor to find out how chocolate has been made through the ages, first by craftsmen, and later by mass production. On the third floor, learn about Belgian chocolate specifically, and its ties with the Belgian royal family. Displays are well-curated, and there are some fascinating exhibits, including antique chocolate-making machinery and drinking vessels.
Finish up the Choco-Story experience back on the ground floor. Here, you'll see master chocolatiers at work, crafting everything from dainty pralines to towering chocolate statues. Ask chocolatiers any questions you have, and enjoy as many tasting samples as you can.
Anyone with children will want to visit Choco-Story. To enhance their enjoyment, upon entry to the museum children receive stickers and a small challenge to be observant for clues as they explore the exhibits. This is a great attraction for any sweet-toothed adult as well. Allow several hours to enjoy the full experience.
Choco-Story is on Sint-Jansplein 2, in the centre of Bruges. The museum is open daily, except for days around Christmas, and the second and third weeks of January. There is an entrance fee, which covers the tasting samples at the end of the tour. Additional 500-gram (18-ounce) souvenir bags of chocolate are available for purchase.
