Monnaie
Théâtre Royale de la Monnaie (Royal Monnaie Theatre)
When walking alongthe Boulevard Anspach, it’s difficult to escape this impressive building.
The history of the Royal Monnaie Theatre dates back to 1700 when Gio-Paolo Bombarda, financial advisor to the governor of the Spanish Netherlands, built a hall for public performances of opera, drama and ballet. To create the building, he enlisted the help of architects Paolo and Pietro Bezzi. The name "La Monnaie" ("The Mint") came about because of the buildings location - in the Hotel Ostrevent square - where a mint was also situated.
Just before 1800, Napoleon suggested constructing a new building behind the existing one. It was the French architect Louis Damesme who, in a neo-classical style, drew the plans for the new construction. The building was inaugurated in 1819 and in 1853, Eugène Simonis added a pediment. Two years later, a fire destroyed the building’s interior. This time, the Belgian architect Joseph Poelaert was responsible for its reconstruction.
‘La Monnaie’ became the National Opera in 1963 and further work began in 1985 by the Ministry of Public Works to upgrade the room.
Today, the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie offers concerts, recitals and operas.
The full program of events is available on their website.
Place de la Monnaie, 1000 Brussels
