Théâtre Royal les Cœurs de Bois

Théâtre Royal Les Cœurs de Bois is a Brussels puppet theatre that has been entertaining audiences since 1946, describing its own shows as suitable for spectators "from 3 to 133 years old." It's one of those quietly persistent institutions that Brussels families have known for generations, even though it rarely makes it onto a typical visitor's list of city sights.

Where is the theatre located?

Since 2015 the company has been based in Laeken, inside the building of the former town hall, close to the Royal Palace and not far from the Atomium. The hall itself is intimate, seating just 80 people — small enough that every seat feels close to the action, with puppeteers performing right in front of the audience rather than behind a distant stage.

What kind of shows does it stage?

The repertoire draws on a wide mix of storytelling traditions: tales rooted in Asian and Western folklore, popular legends, medieval fables, and Greek mythology all find their way onto the programme. That range means the theatre isn't limited to simple children's fairy tales — it also stages stories aimed at an older audience. The indoor season at the Laeken hall runs from October to May, making it a natural stop during the cooler months of the year.

What happens in summer?

When the indoor hall takes its break, Guignolet — the theatre's mascot and recurring character — takes over. From early June to late August, the puppeteer performs in the Bois de la Cambre, one of Brussels' largest parks. Together with the City of Brussels, the theatre also organises open-air puppet shows in the Royal Park, with more than 50 free performances staged over the course of the summer.

Why is it worth a visit?

Théâtre Royal Les Cœurs de Bois is a rare example of a cultural institution that has stuck to a single art form — puppet theatre — for nearly eighty years and still finds an audience for it. For visitors exploring Brussels, it offers something different from the usual museum-and-monument circuit: a live performance in a historic hall, or a free open-air show right next to the Atomium.

Its proximity to the Royal Palace and the Atomium makes it easy to combine a visit with other sights in Laeken — a stroll through this part of the city can easily be extended with a stop at the small theatre hall during the season, or with a free summer show in the park if your trip falls between June and August.

Frequently asked questions

How long has the theatre been running? Théâtre Royal Les Cœurs de Bois has been active continuously since 1946.

Who are the shows aimed at? The programme is designed to entertain both children and adults — the theatre itself describes its audience as ranging "from 3 to 133 years old."

Where exactly is the theatre hall? In the Laeken district, inside the former town hall building, near the Royal Palace and the Atomium.

When does the indoor season run? From October to May. In summer, from June to August, performances move outdoors to the Bois de la Cambre.

Are the summer shows free? Yes — the open-air performances in the Royal Park, organised together with the City of Brussels, are free of charge, with more than 50 shows staged each summer.