Discover the new museum

Converting an old garage into a state-of-the-art museum requires more than a little TLC. To pay homage to its century-old heritage, the architectural team built on the existing style, structure and ambiance of the landmark building but added three new volumes, not least to meet the strict climate control standards specific to a museum. The design highlights the horizontal layout of the former workshops, integrates the existing inner avenues and levels, and encourages visitors to make the spaces their own. Making Kanal a Stage for Brussels was central to the design approach. With a special thanks to noAarchitects, Sergison Bates and EM2N.

Showroom

The stunning, 21-metre-tall showroom remains the absolute highlight of the building. Arresting though it is, some people might not even notice its towering presence when they walk. That’s because of the enormous glass-clad structure, which is lovingly restored to its original state. It becomes becomes a freely accessible space where unsuspecting visitors may run into monumental artworks, installations or even DJ sets. When the weather allows it, the large guillotine windows will be flung wide open so that the museum and the renovated Sainctelette Square become as one. Higher up on the fifth floor, you will find the restaurant, where people can enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the showroom. The building tops out at the rooftop bar, which offers vibes, drinks and panoramic views of Brussels.

Kanal exhibitions

A new five-storey volume, with cutting-edge climate control and acoustics, will become the epicentre of Kanal's museum. Here people can discover larger and smaller exhibitions in optimal conditions, featuring artworks from Kanal's own collection and from other collections including those of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. You can descend into the lower room and immerse yourself in the underground atmosphere of its concrete vaults, or head to the fifth floor, where you are treated to captivating exhibitions and unique views of the canal.

Architecture museum (CIVA)

Discover the architecture museum's programme of modern and contemporary architecture, landscape architecture, town planning and urban ecosystems. The museum's collections include over 500 archives, 65 000 books and other objects. Exhibitions, conferences and workshops are the main features of the second volume of Kanal, alongside the specialised library, research centre, bookshop and public reading room.

Live art, music and film

The third, newly built volume of Kanal hosts dance, performance, theatre as well as screenings, talks, concerts and club nights. The multifunctional space has 400 seats and can accommodate a standing – or better yet, dancing! – audience of 800. Kanal being Kanal, the action will often break out of confined (expo) spaces and black boxes. Expect thrilling exhibitions and live acts to be staged in surprising places, scattered throughout the building.

And wait, there is more. Inside the museum, you will also find an info point, a bakery, a playground, a gift shop with local arts and crafts, and the beautiful bar-brasserie of course, with its large waterfront terrace, offering all-day food and drinks. The garage’s original ramps and a combination of stairs and lifts take visitors to the different levels; along the way, they can take in the architectural interplay between the different spaces and volumes, as well as sweeping views of the canal zone and the capital.

So, Kanal will be much more than a museum where you go to visit exhibitions: it will be a multifunctional building in the beating heart of the city, an wide-open space to drop into and make your own. Come and discover it for yourself from 28 November 2026!