The Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles was established in 1945, spearheaded by Belgian actor and director Jacques Huisman. For a long time it was based in the Centre Rogier (Martini Tower), which was destroyed in 2001. After the demolition, the theatre temporarily occupied the former Pathé Palace cinema, in Boulevard Anspach/Anspachlaan. The architectural firm L’Escaut, alongside SCA Architectes Associés and Atelier Gigogne, was commissioned to design a new building between 2000 and 2004. The challenge was to increase the visibility of this major institution while providing transparency about its activities. The desire to provide a highly effective resource for all entertainment industry professionals required a very streamlined set of plans, with the architecture pared down to the essentials. Flanking Boulevard Émile Jacqmain/Émile Jacqmainlaan, the 12,000-m² theatre has three auditoriums: one with 750 seats, another with 250 seats, and a 150-seat Studio for more intimate performances. Its imposing glass façade presents a sparkling spectacle to passers-by, with a veil of opalescent glass, like an allegorical stage curtain. The windows are discreetly decorated with fine white lines making up microscopic poems.