Studio 4

Studio 4 is the main concert hall of the Flagey complex in Ixelles, ranked among the finest acoustic spaces in Europe. Housed in the former Radio House (Maison de la Radio), a monumental building completed in the 1930s, it has served as the permanent home of the Brussels Philharmonic orchestra since 2005.

Getting there

Studio 4 sits inside the Flagey building on Place Eugène Flagey, right in the heart of Ixelles, one of the municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region. The square is a well-connected local hub surrounded by cafés, restaurants and other cultural venues, making it an easy addition to a day spent exploring the neighborhood. Studio 4 is only one part of the wider Flagey complex, so visitors can combine a concert with other activities in the same building.

The building's history

The building now home to Studio 4 was constructed between 1935 and 1938 as the headquarters of the Belgian National Institute of Broadcasting (INR/NIR) — hence its popular name, the "Radio House." Over time the institute split into two separate broadcasters: the French-speaking RTBF and the Dutch-speaking VRT, both of which had moved out of the building entirely by 1974. After years without a clear purpose, the building underwent a major renovation in 2002 and reopened under a new name, Flagey, taken from the square it faces.

The structure itself, known as the Flagey Building, is considered one of the notable examples of modernist architecture in Brussels from that era. The renovation combined the former radio studios with modern spaces designed for concerts, film screenings and public debates.

What makes Studio 4 stand out

The complex's main hall, Studio 4, is known worldwide for hosting concerts, festivals, film screenings and debates. The hall seats 862 people — 502 on the ground floor, 300 in the balconies and 60 on stage — and its architecture and interior design are widely regarded as exceptional. Its acoustics are considered among the best of any concert hall in the world, a quality appreciated by performers and audiences alike.

Since 2005, Studio 4 has been the permanent residence of the Brussels Philharmonic, the symphony orchestra of the Brussels-Capital Region. The presence of such a renowned ensemble has firmly established Studio 4 within the city's musical calendar, with a program spanning recitals, chamber music, chamber and symphonic orchestra performances, world music and jazz.

Who is it for?

Studio 4 draws classical music lovers as well as visitors interested in a broader range of cultural events, from jazz to world music. Because the hall is part of the larger Flagey complex, a visit can easily be paired with the venue's film screenings or public debates for a fuller cultural experience.

When to visit

The best time to plan a visit depends on the current program, since the concert schedule at Studio 4 changes seasonally in line with the Brussels Philharmonic's calendar and the guest artists appearing as part of Flagey's festivals. Checking the current lineup before booking a trip is worthwhile to catch a program that matches your interests.

Frequently asked questions

What is Studio 4? It is the main concert hall of the Flagey complex in Ixelles, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and the permanent home of the Brussels Philharmonic orchestra since 2005.

Which building houses Studio 4? The former Radio House (Maison de la Radio), built between 1935 and 1938 as the headquarters of the Belgian National Institute of Broadcasting, renovated and reopened in 2002 as Flagey.

How many seats does the hall have? 862 seats: 502 on the ground floor, 300 in the balconies and 60 on stage.

What kind of events take place at Studio 4? Recitals, chamber music, chamber and symphonic orchestra concerts, world music and jazz performances.