Théâtre Molière

Théâtre Molière is a historic theatre in the Brussels municipality of Ixelles, standing on Square du Bastion right in the heart of the Porte de Namur district. It's the kind of venue easy to walk past while browsing the shops along Chaussée d'Ixelles, yet it holds well over a century and a half of Brussels' musical and theatrical history.

Where does the name come from, and what was the first building?

The story begins in 1857, when David Antoine Chapoulade decided to open a theatre in what was then the suburban area near Porte de Namur, renting a hall at what is now number 39 Chaussée d'Ixelles. The Théâtre Molière opened its doors on 7 June 1857, taking its name from the French playwright who lent his name to many European stages of that era.

What did the 1868 building look like?

The original venue didn't survive long in its first form — in 1868 a new theatre building was inaugurated in Ixelles, erected in the bend formed by the former Rue du Bastion. It was designed by architect Seghers, who gave it an elegant neoclassical facade. The front was adorned with caryatids carved by sculptor Poitevin — sources differ on the exact count, mentioning either four figures or two flanking the pediment. Either way, this ornate facade became the theatre's visual signature for decades in this corner of Ixelles.

What happened to the theatre during the 20th century?

The Théâtre Molière's history wasn't always smooth. The venue reopened on 18 December 1967, and around 1975 the building was occupied by the Théâtre des Galeries troupe, then directed by Jean-Pierre Ray — before that, until 1970, the hall had been run by Georges Jamin, whom the municipality replaced with the Compagnie des Galeries. In September 1999 the building was closed due to poor sanitary conditions, interrupting its cultural activity for a number of years.

What is the theatre used for today?

Despite these interruptions, the theatre survived and still functions as a cultural venue. It is now managed by the non-profit organisation Muziekpublique, which has given the programming a clear identity centred on world music. The 375-seat hall hosts concerts, masterclasses, workshops and courses dedicated to musical traditions from around the globe. The building remains the property of the municipality of Ixelles, which rents it out for cultural events.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Théâtre Molière located? At Square du Bastion 3, in the municipality of Ixelles, within the Porte de Namur district of Brussels.

When was the theatre built? The first hall opened in 1857, while the current building with its neoclassical facade and caryatids was inaugurated in 1868.

What kind of programming does the theatre offer today? Muziekpublique runs programming focused on world music, including concerts, masterclasses and workshops.

How many seats does the hall have? The theatre has a capacity of 375 seats.

Was the building ever closed? Yes, it was closed in September 1999 due to poor sanitary conditions before resuming cultural activity under new management.