Ancienne Belgique, Brussels

The Ancienne Belgique is a multifunctional performance space and theater that once served as the guild hall for local market vendors. In its earlier days, this hall had a myriad of purposes, functioning as a meeting place, a bank vault, a medical treatment facility, and notably, a venue for various social gatherings and celebrations. Throughout its history, the space consistently played a crucial role in the socio-cultural life of the city.

During the early 1900s, in the Belle Époque era, the interior underwent a transformation with a distinct German influence, featuring 1,500 seats and ample space for dancing. In the 1920s, the basement became a platform for young literary talents to showcase their works to the public and connect with fellow artists. Following World War II, the building underwent extensive renovations, transforming into a modern music hall with improved acoustics and soundproofing; however, by the 1970s, it had fallen into disrepair.

In 1977, the Belgian Ministry of Finance acquired the building and initiated much-needed restoration work. By 1984, the venue had been restored to its former glory and reopened. Today, the Ancienne Belgique attracts a diverse array of performers;. over the years, it has hosted notable artists such as Lou Reed, The Cure, and the Clash. With a busy schedule of 300 to 400 shows annually, it stands as one of the premier music venues in Brussels. The main auditorium has a standing capacity of 2,000 (700 seated), and the venue is well-known for its dedication to showcasing both local and international talent, offering performances in either the main auditorium or the smaller AB Club on the first floor.