This old theater housed in what was once the guildhall of local market vendors is located near the stock exchange. After WWII, the building was renovated and eventually turned into a modern, soundproof concert hall. Its famous performers have included The Clash, The Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lou Reed, among others. Every year dozens of concerts take place in the AB, as the hall is locally known.
Since Gerard Mortier became its director in 1981 (he now heads the Salzburger Festspiele), the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie has returned to the spotlight. Under the direction of his successor, renowned organist Bernard Foccroule, the theater is now considered one of the most exciting opera houses in the world. Opera here is indeed a spectacle! It also boasts a lovely bookstore where you can purchase CDs, souvenirs, as well as books.
Built in 1928 by architect Victor Horta, the Centre for Fine Arts draws together all art forms under the same roof: visual arts, music, theater, literature, ballet and an assortment of temporary exhibits. The world-famous Henri Le Bœuf Hall is a concert hall boasting impressive acoustics. The Film Museum is housed in the basement. There are 15 societies funded by this museum, including the Europalia Society and the Festival of Flanders. These associations guarantee that the center is filled with continuous events.
Le Botanique is an inspiring venue for various concerts, operas and many other local and international events. Come here and enjoy the finer cultural delights that Belgium has to offer from classical concerts to dramas. Everything is truly magnificent!
The Royal Flemish Theatre aims to showcase the diversity of Brussels through the performances that take place there. Shows here may be in different languages and the themes stem from a variety of cultures. First built in the 18th Century as a warehouse, the building housing the theater offers visitors striking architecture to admire.
A well-known art institution, the WIELS - Contemporary Art Centre is a treasure trove for art admirers. Spread across four floors, the center features artworks of local as well as internationally renowned artists encompassing various mediums of visual arts. Adding to the exhibitions of contemporary artworks, the center also organizes workshops for budding artists of all age groups. Apart from art exhibits, the center also hosts film screenings, concerts, lectures and other events regularly.
Since its inception in 1996 on Rue Vandeweyer, Théâtre Ocean Nord has been promoting upcoming and seasoned actors, directors and scriptwriters. The founders, Isabelle Pousseur and Michel Boermans conduct various workshops to help adults and children from different income groups recognize their talent and pursue it. With cinematic experience and digital media gaining strength, their aim is to bring the dying art of live theatre to the forefront.
Chez Pias is the Belgian outpost of the record company [PIAS]. What was once the office of the newspaper Le Peuple where you could hear the incessant noise of the press, has now been turned into the swanky administrative office, performance venue and music store of [PIAS], where the only sounds are of the musicians and singers who regularly perform here. You will find vintage vinyl and records as well as contemporary albums in the store. The concert hall has played host to artists such as Agnes Obel, Tom Waits and Pixies, to name a few. The space also houses a bar and a restaurant called Humphrey, making this a truly unique spot that celebrates all the pleasures of life.
Whether you want to spend the evening laughing out loud as you attend stand up comedy acts, bob your head to either jazz, blues, pop, folk or rock music or be amazed by the fine performances of theater artists, Caliclub has something in store for everyone and is highly reputed as a power-packed entertainment venue providing a complete experience. Housed in the restaurant Calichezap, beat those Monday blues or celebrate the beginning of the weekend by dropping in with a couple of friends and sipping on flavorful, delectable cocktails at the cocktail bar. With dark undertones, a stage reserved for the act of the night and neon lights, sit and revel in the long night that lies ahead of you.