Theatre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels

The theatre, founded in 1700, is today the home of the biggest and most important Belgian opera company. In fact, La Monnaie is the name which refers both to the building of the theatre and to the company. In the more than three centuries of its history, La Monnaie has aimed to capture the best moments and atmosphere of the Dutch, French and finally Belgian dominance. Regardless of the management, it has always held its remarkably high position among the most significant opera houses of Europe.

The name of the theatre comes from its location. Back in 1700, the financial counselor of the Netherlands ordered the construction of the theatre. A construction site was quickly chosen and the new theatre was to be built on the site of the former Hotel Ostrevent, which used to be a mint. That's how the name La Monnaie was acquired. The first building of the theatre was created by architects Paolo and Pietro Bezzi. It existed for about a century and managed to find a proper place among the most famous European opera houses. Around the end of the 18th Century, the territory was taken over by France. During one of his marches Napoleon passed by the city and decided to build a new building for La Monnaie Theatre. Soon, a new building opened its doors for the audience, just behind the authentic theater from 1700. Later it was severely damaged in a fire, but reconstructions were held and the theatre has survived till present day.

La Monnaie became a National Opera House in 1963. Though it had lost some of its glamour in the beginning of the century, after refurbishing it got back its charm. As a national opera house it is now supported by the state. Thanks to all efforts, and mainly to its director and the artistic team, today La Monnaie features some of the most interesting productions in all of Europe. Among the most famous premiers held at La Monnaie were 'Herodiade' by Jules Massenet, 'Jocelyn' by Benjamin Godard, and 'Salambo' by Ernest Reyer.