La Monnaie - De Munt, Brussels Travel Guide

La Monnaie - De Munt, also known as the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie, stands as a cultural landmark in the heart of Brussels. Its history began in 1700 when Gio Paolo Bombarda built a public theatre on the site of a former mint. This location gave the theatre its name, 'La Monnaie' in French and 'De Munt' in Dutch, both meaning 'The Mint'.Over the centuries, La Monnaie has undergone several transformations. A fire in 1855 destroyed the interior, leading to a reconstruction by architect Joseph Poelaert in an eclectic style. The auditorium, adorned with gilded decorations, red velvet, and a grand chandelier, reflects this opulent design. Today, the main auditorium can seat 1,152 people.La Monnaie is not only an architectural gem but also a significant cultural institution. It is home to the National Opera of Belgium and receives financial support from the Federal Government. The opera house is renowned for its high-quality opera productions, ballet performances, and classical music concerts. It also houses La Monnaie Symphony Orchestra. Beyond performances, visitors can explore the theatre's history and architecture through guided tours, including a look at the stage, costumes, and behind-the-scenes workshops.