HISTORY OF THE
VAUDEVILLE THEATRE
Once upon a time - in the Vaudeville Theatre
The Flower Market - 1846
Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar designed one of the first covered markets in Brussels, in 1846.
The Flower Market was built on the site of the Le Faucon Hotel, on Bergstraat. The courtyard of this hotel was then already serving as a flower market, twice a week.
To attract more customers, the architect decided to enlarge this space. The flower market was completely covered with glass, so there was a lot of natural light and it would still look like an open-air market. The supporting structure consisted of cast-iron columns which are still visible in the Vaudeville Theatre. These hollow columns are identical to those in the Théâtre des Galéries and the La Madeleine market, and served as ventilation pipes for the cellar.
Since the financial expectations of the Société des Galéries were not met, the Flower Market was converted into an ‘estaminet’, a type of inn, in November 1851. It was called the Casino Saint-Hubert. The intention was to turn the galleries into a new attraction – and thus a source of income. The public came to see shows, while enjoying a beer and chips. It was a sociable spot. But the shows were a short-term trend and, like other Brussels concert cafés, the Casino existed only briefly. It became a theatre on the initiative of Léopold Boyer, a former tenor, who had made his debut in the same location.
The Casino Saint-Hubert - 1851
Spectacle concert des Bouffes
Bruxellois - 1872
In 1872, the Casino Saint-Hubert became a real theatre, with boxes, loges and a balcony. The new director redecorated completely, with an oriental theme. And re-opened it, with a new name – Spectacle concert des Bouffes Bruxellois. The programme now consisted of operettas – and vaudeville, a type of show originally found in Paris. Charles Flor O’Squarr’s end-of-year revues made the Bouffes Bruxellois a success.
The new director also retained part of the concert café tradition – the audience could have a drink in the auditorium during performances and relax and enjoy themselves.
the Vaudeville Theatre
- 1884
To ensure the safety of audience and staff, the old concert hall of the Bouffes was transformed into
a real theatre, with wide corridors, in 1884.
The inauguration of the new venue, called the Vaudeville Theatre, took place on 28
October 1884. Here delightful Parisian vaudeville shows – which were light comedies – were performed. Shows of this type were much appreciated
by the people of Brussels and therefore became
the theatre’s speciality. Despite this major renovation, the old columns of the Flower Market remained visible,
and today still are, integrated into the room’s design.
The interior of the Vaudeville Theatre is mainly of plaster, in a neo-realistic style,
with motifs inspired by Italian theatres. There are pictures, for example, bearing the names of famous authors,
putti musicians, Apollo’s lyre and laurel, a jester’s marotte,
and garlands of flowers. The ceiling is dome-shaped
and supported by four caryatids, which are columns sculpted in the shape of women.
The look is exotic – here and there also suggesting the free-thinking vision
of Vaudeville. The decor is completed with a garland, bearing the nine coats of arms
of the Belgian provinces, an expression of national solidarity, typical of this period.
In 1926, the entrance and traffic routes in the theatre were addressed. A shop to the right of the entrance was transformed into a foyer and entrance hall. This new space is decorated with floral and geometric motifs in art deco style. These architectural interventions from the mid-19th century and the art deco period are still preserved today.
Further changes - 1926
The dance hall - 1973
After its bankruptcy in 1973, the Vaudeville Theatre was rented to an operator who turned it into a dance hall – all the trend in Brussels at the time – which could perhaps be seen as the location reverting to type. Years later, Daniel Scahaise breathed new life into the event hall. But unfortunately, this was only for a short time,
as the theatre was in a sorry state. Restoration work began in 1999, to return the old-world charm of the place. After a detailed renovation, led by Michel Verliefde of A2RC and supervised by the royal heritage commission (KCML), the Vaudeville Theatre was again opened to the public, in 2003. But today, at last, the location lives again! The different styles added over the years are now reflected in an architectural gem in the auditorium – a convex wall full of mirrors reflecting the floor and mosaics, with their many inscriptions.
Renovation - 1999
Vaudeville Theatre
- 1884
To ensure the safety of audience and staff, the old concert hall of the Bouffes was transformed into a real theatre, with wide corridors, in 1884. The inauguration of the new venue, called the Vaudeville Theatre, took place on 28 October 1884. Here delightful Parisian vaudeville shows – which were light comedies – were performed. Shows of this type were much appreciated by the people of Brussels and therefore became the theatre’s speciality. Despite this major renovation, the old columns of the Flower Market remained visible, and today still are, integrated into the room’s design.
The interior of the Vaudeville Theatre is mainly of plaster, in a neo-realistic style, with motifs inspired by Italian theatres. There are pictures, for example, bearing the names of famous authors, putti musicians, Apollo’s lyre and laurel, a jester’s marotte, and garlands of flowers. The ceiling is dome-shaped and supported by four caryatids, which are columns sculpted in the shape of women. The look is exotic – here and there also suggesting the free-thinking vision of vaudeville. The decor is completed with a garland, bearing the nine coats of arms of the Belgian provinces, an expression of national solidarity, typical of this period.
Today - a unique venue
for your events
Sound and lighting equipment is already in place, as well as a system that conceals the theatre seating under the stage. This means the floor area can be used as required – whether for gala dinners, dinners combined with shows, receptions, weddings, balls, (fashion) shows or conferences.