Balsamine Theater

Balsamine Theater is an independent theater venue in Schaerbeek, one of the nineteen municipalities of Brussels, known for its adventurous, experimental repertoire and its unusual home inside a former military barracks complex.

Who founded the theater and when?

The theater was founded in 1974 by Martine Wijckaert. It began as a modest legal structure — a non-profit organization set up primarily to allow the group to apply for subsidies to support its artistic activity. Over the following decades it grew into one of the more significant independent stages in Brussels, recognized for pushing theatrical form and nurturing emerging artists.

Where exactly is the theater located?

Balsamine sits in Schaerbeek, a district to the northeast of central Brussels. Since 1981, the theater has occupied the former gymnasia and stables of the Prince Baudouin Barracks (Caserne du Prince Baudouin), designed in 1888 by architect O. Geerling. This military past is part of what makes the venue distinctive: an industrial-era barracks skeleton repurposed into a working stage, which is itself a point of interest for anyone exploring Schaerbeek.

What makes the building architecturally notable?

The main performance space takes the form of an amphitheater, preserving the hemicycle layout of the original military auditorium — a semicircular structure that is unusual among theater venues and gives performances a distinctly intimate quality. Between 1998 and 2000, the complex underwent a major transformation and expansion designed by the firm Deleuze, Metzger & Associés, the result of an architectural competition launched by the Municipality of Schaerbeek in partnership with the theater. The renovation earned international recognition, winning second prize at the 2003 São Paulo Biennial of Architecture.

Who has led the theater since its founder?

In 1994, Martine Wijckaert handed the artistic direction of the theater to Christian Machiels, while remaining involved as an artist connected to the venue. This transition allowed the theater to maintain artistic continuity while opening up to new programming directions under new leadership.

Why is Balsamine worth a visit while in Brussels?

For visitors interested in alternative culture and adaptive reuse architecture, Balsamine offers an unusual stop on the Brussels map — it links the city's military history with a living, contemporary arts scene. The building itself, with its preserved barracks character alongside additions from the turn of the millennium, is worth seeing whether or not you plan to attend a performance. Its location in Schaerbeek also offers a chance to experience a less touristy, more local side of Brussels, away from the well-trodden paths of the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak French to visit the theater? The repertoire is presented mainly in French, but the building's architecture and history can be appreciated regardless of language.

Does the building have a military connection? Yes — the theater occupies the former gymnasia and stables of the Prince Baudouin Barracks, built in 1888, making it one of Brussels's more interesting examples of a military site repurposed for culture.

Is it worth combining a visit with other attractions in Schaerbeek? Yes, the district offers notable Art Nouveau architecture and a local atmosphere quite different from Brussels's touristy center.