[3][4] The Museum of Fine Arts of Ixelles was founded in 1892 to house a collection of works donated by the painter and collector Edmond De Pratere and grew rapidly with donations from generous patrons such as Léon Gauchez (1825–1907), Fritz Toussaint (1846–1920) and Max Janlet (1903–1976).

The art patron Octave Maus (1856–1919) donated more than 200 impressionist, neo-impressionist and symbolist works.

The collections bring together paintings, sculpture, and drawings representing the different art movements of this time.

A sampling of Flemish masters and some representatives of foreign schools complete the set.

[5][7] The museum also regularly organises temporary exhibitions and has a documentation centre.