Brussels, Day 3 - The Choco-Story

We continued our day with a visit to the Choco-Story, a chocolate museum just nearby. I didn't have high expectations, thinking this was another tourist-trap, but it actually was really good. Just the right balance between informative and fun displays. I guess we were lucky too it wasn't too crowded when we visited, so we had ample space to enjoy, while feeling safe.
You got this little chocolate-shaped audio guide to use throughout the exhibit:

We learned how the Mayas and the Aztecs grew cocoa trees:

It was used as currency!

We learned about how cocoa arrived in Europe, firstly by the explorer Cortez in 1528, who brought it with him back to Spain:

And then how it spread throughout Europe, became highly popular especially in the court of France; something I touch on while mediating the exhibition about Versailles we have at Louvre Abu Dhabi at the moment:

I loved admiring this huge collection of chocolate pots and chocolate cups!

Special cups for the men with moustaches, with a little "shield" so that they could enjoy the drink without getting their whole face full of froth:

And these mugs, with extra deep saucers and two handles, to be used on carriages or in other shaky conditions to prevent spilling. They are called "tasses trembleuses".

La Belle Chocolatière, after a painting by Jean Liotard 1745.

We also got to know all about the chocolate production itself. The museum explained the whole process, from fermentation, drying and roasting to how to make the cocoa paste, and finally how to create the desired product.

We learned all about the history of chocolate molds, chocolate pralines, chocolate vending machines, the invention of chocolate boxes... and obviously - we were treated to some freshly made chocolate after a short demonstration! Om nom nom!

We both loved this visit! Well recommended if you come to Brussels!