KANAL opens in November: A new hub for music, sound and live performances
28-29 November Kanal-Centre Pompidou
Brussels is preparing to welcome one of its most ambitious new cultural landmarks. On 28 November 2026, Kanal–Centre Pompidou will officially open its doors, transforming the former Citroën garage along the Brussels Canal into a major centre for contemporary art, architecture and live performance. And music will have a central role in the celebrations.
The opening weekend, taking place on 28 and 29 November, promises a continuous programme of concerts, electronic music, DJ sets, experimental sound installations and multidisciplinary performances. For Brussels' music lovers, it offers a first glimpse of what could become an exciting new space for the city's creative scene.
More than a museum: Kanal's connection with music
Located in the former Citroën garage at Place de l'Yser, Kanal is the result of a major cultural transformation developed in partnership with Paris' Centre Pompidou. The historic industrial complex has been reinvented as a multidisciplinary cultural destination, combining exhibition galleries with public spaces dedicated to creativity, encounters and artistic experimentation.
While contemporary art and architecture are at the heart of the project, Kanal's ambitions extend far beyond traditional museum exhibitions. Its programme embraces dance, performance, film, music and sound art, encouraging dialogue between different artistic disciplines.
This approach is particularly interesting for Brussels' music scene. Rather than functioning as a conventional concert hall, Kanal aims to provide an environment where musicians, composers, sound artists and performers can experiment with new formats and collaborations.
Its first live arts season, running from December 2026 to June 2027, will explore the relationship between visual art, movement, sound and public space. Projects such as Instruments Room by contemporary music ensemble Ictus, scheduled for February 2027, illustrate this vision of bringing listening, performance and exhibition together.
For a city already recognised for its diverse and adventurous musical culture, Kanal could become an important addition to the existing network of venues and artistic institutions.
Opening weekend: concerts and musical performances not to miss
Kanal's opening celebrations will take place over 36 continuous hours, from Saturday 28 November at 10:00 until Sunday 29 November at 22:00. Music will be particularly prominent on Saturday evening and throughout the night, with a programme bringing together established artists, experimental musicians and figures from Brussels' creative communities.
Saturday 28 November: from experimental sound to live concerts
Dida — In The Cue (18:00–19:00)
The evening's musical programme begins with In The Cue, a performance by Dida. This opening contribution introduces visitors to the sound-focused side of Kanal's inaugural celebrations.
Maika Garnica — Signal Flow (19:00–23:00)
With Signal Flow, Maika Garnica contributes a four-hour musical presentation to the programme. Its extended duration offers visitors the opportunity to encounter music as part of the broader experience of exploring the new building.
Fan Club Orchestra — Stone (20:00–21:00)
Fan Club Orchestra presents Stone, adding another live performance to the evening's programme. The group's participation reinforces the opening weekend's emphasis on unconventional musical experiences.
Céline Gillain & Farida Amadou — Terrafissa (21:00–22:00)
One of the particularly interesting collaborations of the evening brings together Céline Gillain and Farida Amadou. The latter is a Belgian experimental musician and bassist known for her improvisational approach and adventurous sound explorations. Their performance, Terrafissa, promises to appeal to audiences interested in music that moves beyond traditional genre boundaries.
Valentina Magaletti & Loraine James — Thrice (22:00–23:00)
Another highlight is the collaboration between Italian-born percussionist Valentina Magaletti and British electronic musician Loraine James. Magaletti is recognised for her experimental approach to percussion, while James has developed a distinctive electronic sound combining intricate rhythms and atmospheric textures.
Their joint performance, Thrice, is among the most intriguing musical encounters announced for Kanal's opening.
Marie Daulne (Zap Mama), with Ekany & Jan Willems — Inside Up (23:00–00:00)
A familiar name in Belgium's music scene will also take part in the celebrations. Marie Daulne, founder of the internationally acclaimed Belgian group Zap Mama, presents Inside Up alongside Ekany and Jan Willems.
Known for her innovative fusion of vocal traditions, African musical influences and contemporary sounds, Daulne brings a distinctive musical perspective to the programme.
Saturday night into Sunday: electronic music and DJ sets
The celebrations will continue into the early hours of Sunday, with several musical performances and DJ sets.
Onda Sonora (23:00–03:30)
Onda Sonora will contribute to the overnight programme, helping maintain the musical atmosphere as the opening celebrations move into Sunday morning.
Papilloneer Orchestra — Soumaya Pheline Abouda (00:00–01:00)
The programme also features Papilloneer Orchestra and Soumaya Pheline Abouda, continuing Kanal's exploration of contemporary musical expression.
Imane Guemssy (00:00–01:00)
Imane Guemssy brings another musical dimension to the opening night. The Moroccan musician is associated with traditional Gnawa music, connecting the celebrations with musical heritage and traditions beyond Europe.
Opening Party by Kiosk Radio (00:00–06:00)
One of the major attractions for Brussels' electronic music community will be the opening party organised by Kiosk Radio. The Brussels-based independent radio platform has become an important meeting point for DJs, selectors and electronic music enthusiasts, with a reputation extending well beyond Belgium.
Its involvement connects Kanal's opening directly with the city's independent music culture and nightlife.
Driss Bennis presents The Metaphysics of Crackle (01:30–02:30)
Driss Bennis will present The Metaphysics of Crackle, another contribution to the late-night experimental music programme.
Yawning Portal (01:30–03:00)
Yawning Portal is also scheduled to perform during the early hours of Sunday, adding to the diverse selection of late-night musical experiences. BRUZZ Ice will also contribute DJ programming during the opening weekend.
When music becomes performance art
Beyond the concerts and DJ sets, Kanal's inaugural weekend will explore music and sound through artistic performances. Valentina Magaletti will present RESPIRIA!, a project that reimagines the Belgian national anthem as a collective breathing ritual. The work invites audiences to experience a familiar national symbol through the physical act of breathing together. The programme also includes Tolon kè! by choreographer Serge Aimé Coulibaly and Faso Danse Théâtre, alongside Titans by YouYou Group & Glossa on Sunday afternoon.
Another notable presentation is Protocol by Kris Verdonck and Ictus, scheduled for Sunday 29 November. The involvement of Ictus, one of Belgium's established contemporary music ensembles, highlights Kanal's interest in artistic experimentation at the intersection of music, performance and visual culture.
These projects demonstrate that music at Kanal will not necessarily be limited to concerts on a stage. Sound, rhythm, movement and audience participation will also become part of the artistic experience.
A new opportunity for Brussels' music scene?
The arrival of Kanal raises an interesting question: what role could this new institution play in Brussels' already vibrant musical ecosystem? The city is home to major concert venues, independent clubs, experimental music spaces and a thriving community of musicians and artists. Kanal does not appear to be positioning itself as a direct competitor to traditional concert halls. Instead, its multidisciplinary approach could create opportunities for collaborations between musicians, visual artists, choreographers and other creative professionals. The participation of Belgian artists, independent music initiatives such as Kiosk Radio, and internationally recognised experimental musicians during the opening weekend suggests an ambition to connect the institution with both local creative communities and international artistic networks.
Its future music programme will be worth following, particularly for audiences interested in contemporary composition, electronic experimentation, sound art and unconventional live experiences.
How to attend Kanal's opening weekend
Kanal–Centre Pompidou will officially open on Saturday 28 November 2026 at 10:00, with celebrations continuing until Sunday 29 November at 22:00.
The opening weekend is free, thanks to the support of the Belgian National Lottery. Although the free tickets for the ten opening exhibitions were quickly claimed, visitors can still access the building and participate in the other opening activities without a ticket or reservation.
For music lovers, this means an opportunity to discover a brand-new Brussels cultural destination while enjoying an unusually diverse programme of concerts, performances and DJ sets.
Dates: 28–29 November 2026Location: Kanal–Centre Pompidou, Brussels
Admission: Free; exhibition visits require advance reservations
Full programme: https://kanal.brussels/en/calendar/opening-weekend
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