The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux is pleased to announce it has moved to Kaaitheater, situated next door to Kanal–Centre Pompidou, the city’s most anticipated museum of modern and contemporary art and architecture, set to open on 28 November 2026.
”This is both a strategic and exciting step for the Institute,” shares Johanna Råman, Director of the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux. ”As well as gaining a more accessible working space, we’re now located in one of Brussels’ most anticipated cultural addresses, working alongside organisations shaping European cultural policy and landscape.”
After 15 years in the Sablon district, the move brings the Institute into a working community of major European cultural networks, including Culture Action Europe, EUNIC Global, IETM (International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts), Perform Europe, and Pearle* – Live Performance Europe.
The move strengthens the Institute’s ongoing work in EU-level cultural policy advocacy, and creates new opportunities for Finnish and Finland-based artists and cultural professionals to build connections across the Benelux.
More opportunities for exchange
“The move is an important step in implementing our new Equality and Equity Plan. As much as we enjoyed being in the beautiful Sablon district, finding a solution to the lack of accessibility both of our building and the office space itself was a priority for us” shares Head of Programme, Malin Bergström.
The space in Kaaitheater will also open doors to more collaboration.
“We hope to be able to exchange collective knowledge and expertise with our new neighbours. Being part of this cultural hub will be a great opportunity for more meaningful collaboration” shares Communications Manager, Ela Suleymangil.
A new urban arts hub: Kaaitheater and Kanal-Centre Pompidou
Kaaitheater is a house for dance, theatre, performance and conversations offering a platform for both Belgium-based and international choreographers and performers. Kaaitheater’s building at Sainctelette Square is currently undergoing major renovations and will reopen later in 2027. The renewed premises will offer plenty of new space including a second room, a city balcony and spaces for artists and public. Learn more about Kaaitheater.
Meanwhile, Kanal-Centre Pompidou opens its doors to the public on 28 November 2026. Set over 40 000 m2, Kanal is conceived not only as a museum, but as a new piece of the city. “It is an extension of the city where artistic disciplines combine and converge. With ample room for performance, dance, music and film, but also freely accessible spaces to read, learn and create. With a library and archives, auditoriums and its very own print shop.” See what’s coming up at Kanal.
The Finnish Cultural Institute of the Benelux’s new office is located at Square Sainctelette 19, 1000 Brussels.
Cover image: Kaaitheater and Kanal-Centre Pompidou, Brussels. Photo by Ela Suleymangil / Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux.