About the Theatre

Théâtre de Liège – Théâtre d’Europe

Recognised as a Centre scénique de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (Performing Arts Centre of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation) under its 2024–2028 multiannual funding agreement, the Théâtre de Liège also holds the designation of Centre européen de création théâtrale et chorégraphique (European Centre for Theatre and Choreographic Creation), reflecting its commitment to the creation, production and presentation of contemporary theatre and dance at local, regional and international levels.

Under the leadership of Serge Rangoni (2004–2026), the Théâtre de Liège underwent significant development, establishing itself as one of Belgium’s and Europe’s leading cultural institutions. Since 1 September 2026, Michael De Cock has served as General and Artistic Director, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the theatre’s history.

Each season, the Théâtre de Liège presents a rich and diverse programme featuring around 40 productions, including approximately ten new creations. It welcomes Belgian and international artists, from established figures in the contemporary performing arts to emerging generations of creators. Theatre and dance remain at the heart of its programme, fostering an ongoing dialogue between disciplines, artistic approaches and cultures.

The programme is further enriched by several festivals that contribute to Liège’s vibrant cultural life. Held every two years, Festival Émulation showcases young French-speaking Belgian theatre companies, bringing performances to various venues across the city. The international dance biennial Pays de Danses invites audiences to discover the diversity of contemporary choreographic practices from around the world. Festival IMPACT explores the relationship between the performing arts and new technologies, encouraging collaboration between the cultural, research, education and business sectors. Finally, Festival Corps de Textes completes this range of artistic events.

Located at the heart of the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion and the Greater Region, the Théâtre de Liège has developed an extensive network of international collaborations and co-productions. It promotes the circulation of artistic works and artists across borders while actively supporting artistic creation within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

Its commitment to artists is reflected in its role as lead producer of numerous productions, its co-productions and its various artist development initiatives. Through its 2024–2028 long-term artistic support programme (compagnonnage), the Théâtre de Liège supports 14 artists in developing their careers and creative projects.

Beyond the performing arts, the Théâtre de Liège also provides a platform for the visual arts. Its gallery, the Salle des Pieds légers, regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions organised in collaboration with Belgian museums, art centres and collections, as well as special projects connected to its artistic programme and festivals.

The Théâtre de Liège also maintains close ties with the business community through its Club des Entreprises (Business Partners’ Club), whose members contribute to the development of the institution’s artistic and educational activities.

Further information on cultural policies and support schemes is available on the websites of the Administration générale de la Culture (General Administration for Culture) and the Service général de la Création artistique (General Department for Artistic Creation).

A jewel of Liège’s heritage

In 1779, the Prince-Bishop de Velbrück created the Société libre d’Émulation, whose vocation was to cultivate the arts, sciences and humanities.

L’Émulation – the building where this learned society used to meet – prospered through the years until 20 August 1914 when, due to German reprisals, the building was totally destroyed.

L’Émulation was rebuilt in 1939 by Julien Koenig, employing a neoclassical design while using contemporary techniques.  Sixty years later, the building, left unoccupied, was in an advanced state of decay.  Classified as a monument in 1998, it was placed on the list of monuments in peril.  In 2000, it was decided to restore l’Émulation and to establish the Théâtre de Liège here, “temporarily” installed at Place de l’Yser.

The Liège architects Pierre Hebbelinck and Pierre de Wit were in charge of the building’s conversion, and it was inaugurated on October 2013.

Favouring wood, concrete and glass, the Théâtre de Liège consists of a total area of 7,800 m² combining neoclassicism and contemporary design. Columns, mouldings and gilding sit alongside Vitra furniture by Jean Prouvé, the famous French designer, to create a stripped-down but warm atmosphere.

The architecture is punctuated with a textual intervention from the Liège visual artist-performer Patrick Corillon whose magic words animate the entire building.

• The large stage : Salle de la Grande Main / 557 seats
• The small stage : Salle de l’Œil vert / 145 seats on a retractable tier
• The exhibition room : Salle des Pieds légers
• The rehearsal studio : Salle des Nouvelles Têtes

Equipped with two stages, an art gallery as well as a rehearsal studio, the Théâtre de Liège also provides welcoming communal spaces for its audiences: a bar – le Café des Arts on the ground floor – and a restaurant in the magnificent rooms on the 2^nd floor.

These spaces, places where the public can go to relax and enjoy themselves, are also perfectly adapted for all kinds of receptions, events or private evening parties.