Cultuurcentrum Hasselt

Cultuurcentrum Hasselt is the main cultural venue of the Belgian province of Limburg, standing on Kunstlaan in the heart of Hasselt. Known locally by its abbreviation CCHA, the building has served for more than fifty years as a theatre stage, concert hall, and exhibition space for both local residents and visitors to the city.

How did Cultuurcentrum Hasselt come to be?

The decision to build the first cultural centre in Limburg was made by the Hasselt city council in 1956. The idea behind it was clear from the start: a modern complex that would not act as an ivory tower, but instead open up culture to the broad public regardless of background or education. Turning that idea into a finished building, however, took more than a decade.

The first stone was laid on 18 May 1967 by Minister Van Elslande. Construction ran from 1967 to 1972 and cost 270 million Belgian francs at the time — a considerable sum for a municipal investment of that era. The architectural design was the work of Isia Isgour, assisted by architects Louis Peeters and Etienne Vreven. Together they created a functional building with a simple structure built from concrete, steel and glass — materials typical of post-war modernism, combined here in a way that still sets the building apart in the city's skyline today.

Who opened it, and what does it contain?

The official opening took place on Friday, 4 November 1972. Director Piet Jaspaert opened the doors of what was then known as vzw cultureel centrum Hasselt. From that day on, the building has functioned as the city's multi-purpose cultural centre.

The complex includes two theatre halls, foyers, banquet halls, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, dressing rooms for musicians and actors, rooms dedicated to youth activities, and administrative offices. This layout allows several different events to run at the same time — theatre performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and gatherings of local organisations can all take place under one roof.

Why is Cultuurcentrum Hasselt worth a visit?

The building is notable not only as a stage for events but also as an example of mid-twentieth-century modernist architecture — its concrete, steel and glass structure has survived close to its original form and is occasionally featured in themed tours held during heritage days (Erfgoeddag). For visitors to Hasselt, this means the chance to combine sightseeing in the city with attending a cultural event — theatre, music, or an exhibition — inside a building with a well-established history spanning more than fifty years.

Frequently asked questions

When was Cultuurcentrum Hasselt built? Construction took place between 1967 and 1972, with the official opening on 4 November 1972.

Who designed the building? The architectural design was created by Isia Isgour, together with architects Louis Peeters and Etienne Vreven.

What can be found inside? Two theatre halls, foyers, banquet halls, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, dressing rooms, and administrative and youth facilities.

Where exactly is the centre located? On Kunstlaan in the centre of Hasselt, in the Belgian province of Limburg.