Visiting Choco-Story
Housed in a 15th-century former wine tavern (the Croon building) and spread across four floors, Choco-Story is the dedicated chocolate museum of Bruges. It takes visitors through the history of cocoa and chocolate, spanning from the Mayan era to the techniques used by today's master chocolatiers.
Exhibits for all ages
The museum is entirely focused on chocolate, featuring a collection of artifacts and informational displays that detail how chocolate is made and how its history has evolved. Combining cultural exhibits with tastings, you will encounter:
- the history of the tavern and how chocolate spread through Bruges over the centuries
- cocoa during the time of the Aztecs and Mayans, where it was treated as a divine offering, a drink, and even a currency
- how the Spanish introduced cocoa as a staple beverage in royal courts
- the transition from artisanal to industrial chocolate production, illustrated by over 1,000 historical objects
- Belgian chocolate, including its local production, its history within the Belgian monarchy, and its broader influence in Europe
- the health benefits of chocolate
- recipes and intricate chocolate sculptures
- a workshop led by a master chocolatier, where you can learn to craft Belgian chocolates, pralines, and other confections before tasting your creations
A socially conscious museum
Choco-Story is also active in social initiatives, specifically funding the Cocoa Development Fund. This project aims to help cocoa farmers increase their income, with current efforts in Cameroon, Cuba, and recently in Soconusco, Mexico. The fund also works to combat child labor and forced labor, while striving to end deforestation linked to cocoa production.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
This museum is fun to visit with kids. It covers the whole chocolate making process and includes several little tastings. The museum isn't exceptional, but it makes for a good time, especially if the weather is bad.