Programme
Guided tour
Behind the scenes: a guided tour of the Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles
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.
Interested in learning what goes on behind the scenes at the Théâtre National, the costume workshop, the sound studio and stage machinery, or in hearing about the theatre’s history from its early days as a company touring Wallonia to its permanent establishment in Boulevard Émile Jacqmain/Émile Jacqmainlaan in 2004? Want to understand how a show is put together and how a season is planned? The communications team will reveal the secrets concealed inside this eye-catching building, which is 20 years old this year. Guided tours: 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00 (French) (duration: 75 minutes; up to 30 people per tour)
Guided tour in French Belgian Sign Language Saturday at 2pm. Advance booking required: nicole_lemaire@icloud.com
Practical information
Sat. 14:00 to 18:00
Boulevard Émile Jacqmain/Émile Jacqmainlaan 111–115, BE-1000 Brussels
Advance booking not required.
Accessible
Belgian-French sign language visit