The Centre for Fine Arts, renamed Bozar in 2003, has established itself as a key player in the cultural life of Brussels. Its extremely wide-ranging programme encompasses music, plastic arts, theatre and dance as well as literature, cinema and architecture. The Art Deco building was erected between 1922 and 1929 by Victor Horta. The design proved so problematic that the celebrated architect had to go back to the drawing board five times. Various constraints – the nature of the soil, the steeply sloping site, the limits placed on the height of the building and the desire for a relatively plain façade – made things very difficult for him. Even so, some of the master's hallmarks are in evidence here, such as the desire to bring overhead light into the exhibition rooms and the decorative design in the extraordinary Henry Le Boeuf Hall. Horta structured the entire complex, which covers more than one hectare, around this hall, which is a favourite of orchestras the world over. The greatest classical orchestras, jazz bands and other musical ensembles have all performed here, as well as artists such as Barbara Hendricks, Roberto Alagna, Cecilia Bartoli and Cesaria Evora. The Queen Elisabeth Competition, a famed international contest for musicians, also uses this hall, which is where the finalists perform each year. Another highlight of Bozar's programme is the Europalia festival, which features a series of events exploring various aspects of a particular country. Meanwhile, the top-class exhibitions hosted by Bozar are the product of collaborations with the world's leading museums. (Listed 19/04/1977)