BRONKS quirky building with glass facade

In 2009, the Brussels youth theater BRONKS got its own home—and what a home it is! The striking building on Varkensmarkt was designed by architect Martine De Maeseneer and stands out for its distinctive design and transparent façade. Its architectural quality did not go unnoticed: in 2011, the building was nominated for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award for contemporary architecture.

Despite the limited size of the plot, De Maeseneer managed to integrate all functions in a smart and efficient way. The building not only houses a theater, but also a spacious rehearsal room, a café, and an inviting reception area. The glass façade plays a key role in this: it literally and figuratively opens the theater to the city and makes its activities visible to passers-by.

During this tour, we will show how architecture and artistic vision reinforce each other. BRONKS is a place where children and young people come into contact with the performing arts, not as passive spectators but as active participants. Without being didactic, the theater operates on the basis of trust and curiosity. The building thus tells the story of a close interaction between creators, audience, and environment.