Théâtre Saint-Michel to close for major renovation

After more than 85 years, Brussels’ second-largest theatre will undergo a much-deserved renovation project. Théâtre Saint-Michel will close at the end of the year for an as-yet unspecified period of time.

The venue, just off Boulevard Saint-Michel in Etterbeek, opened in 1932 and, with 1,200 seats, is second only in size to Cirque Royal. It hosts mostly French-language theatre and so has introduced visitors over the years to some of the greatest Belgian and French stage actors, such as Michel Bouquet, Chantal Ladesou and Gérard Depardieu.

Five years ago, the Art Deco building was renovated to include a new bar and a second, smaller theatre. But this time, the entire building will undergo restoration and renovation works. “The venue is dated,” the chair of the board, Jean-Christophe Bernard, told Le Soir. “Seating and technical equipment have greatly evolved, and there are also new safety measures that need to be implemented.”

The building is owned by the local Jesuit community, which will pay for the renovation, estimated to be a few million euros. The theatre will close at the end of the year, but for how long has not yet been determined.