Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie

The original building for the Brussels Opera House, La Monnaie, dates from 1700. It has experienced numerous transformations throughout its long history, however, but the theatre we know today is red and gold with a cupola and crystal chandelier which lend the great hall a luxurious light. The theatre was again rebuilt in 1985 to accommodate stricter safety standards, and the director took the opportunity to add a new touch by inviting American artists, Sam Francis and Sol LeWitt, who added their unique touch to the colourful ceiling and black and white marble tiling respectively. In 2016, La Monnaie welcomed French conductor Alain Altinoglu as music director. Altinoglu is critically acclaimed, and a frequent guest performer at other major opera houses of the world.