Théâtre du Vaudeville

Théâtre du Vaudeville is a historic event hall tucked inside the Galerie de la Reine, one of three covered arcades that together form the famous Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in central Brussels. Despite its name, the venue today functions primarily as a multi-purpose event space, but its story stretches back to the mid-19th century and is closely tied to the creation of the arcades themselves.

Where did this place come from?

The building that now houses the Vaudeville was designed in 1847 by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, the same man behind the entire Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert complex. It originally opened as a covered flower market, fully glazed so that natural light flooded the interior while the space still felt like an open-air market despite being roofed. The supporting structure relied on cast-iron columns, some of which have survived and remain visible inside the hall today.

The flower market, however, failed to deliver the financial returns the arcades' management company had hoped for. As a result, by November 1851 the premises had already been converted into an estaminet, a traditional Belgian tavern-café blending social and cultural life under one roof.

How did a flower market become a theatre?

The next transformation came in the 1880s. In 1884 the venue reopened under the name Casino Saint-Hubert, offering concerts and entertainment within the elegant setting of the Galerie de la Reine. Over time the hall took on the name by which it is known today, Théâtre du Vaudeville, referencing the light, musical entertainment genre popular at the time.

In 1926 the interior gained an Art Deco hall designed by architect Ide, while the rest of the space retained its earlier, more ornate character, with gilded stucco and decorative details echoing the 19th-century aesthetic of the arcades.

The golden years and heritage status

Théâtre du Vaudeville reached its peak popularity between 1947 and 1970, regularly drawing audiences for performances and cultural events. Its historical and architectural value was formally recognised on 17 April 1997, when the hall was granted protected heritage status.

What can you find there today?

In 1974 the venue was converted into a private club, and it has since been renovated in a way that preserved its historic character while adapting it to contemporary needs. Today it operates as a flexible event space of roughly 250 square metres, used for seated dinners, fashion shows, dance parties, and corporate or private events. In recent years it has also hosted Candlelight concert series performances.

Frequently asked questions

Is Théâtre du Vaudeville still an operating theatre? Not in the traditional sense — today it functions mainly as an event venue, though cultural and concert events still take place there.

Where exactly is it located? Inside the Galerie de la Reine, part of the historic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert complex in central Brussels.

What's worth seeing inside? The cast-iron columns left over from the original flower market, alongside the 1926 Art Deco hall that contrasts with the gilded stucco of the rest of the space.

Is the building legally protected? Yes, it has held heritage status since 17 April 1997.