Kanal-Centre Pompidou

About the museum

Kanal occupies the former Citroën garage, built in the early 1930s on the canal quays, on the site where the Luna Park amusement park stood before the First World War. Designed by the architects Alexis Dumont, Marcel Van Goethem and Maurice-Jacques Ravazé, the modernist glass-and-steel complex housed a showroom 21 metres high and was long considered the largest garage in Europe.

After Citroën left in 2014, the Société d'aménagement urbain (SAU) of the Brussels-Capital Region bought the building in 2015 to create an international cultural centre. Management was entrusted to the Fondation Kanal, and the architectural design by Atelier Kanal (noAarchitecten, EM2N and Sergison Bates architects) was selected in early 2018.

The new museum, presented under the name Kanal-Centre Pompidou, brings together modern and contemporary art, architecture and landscape. It is based on a partnership with the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which lends works from its collection, and on the Kanal collection, launched in 2018 and devoted to artists linked to Brussels and Belgium. The CIVA architecture centre is part of the institution: its architecture collections, archives and library have a place here. Besides the exhibition spaces, the building offers free public areas, an indoor playground, a brasserie, a restaurant, a bakery and a rooftop. Opening to the public is planned for 28 November 2026.

Highlights

• Modernist Citroën garage from the 1930s on the canal, with a showroom 21 metres high
• Works from the Centre Pompidou collection shown in Brussels
• Kanal's contemporary art collection, focused on Brussels and Belgium
• Architecture collections, archives and library of Kanal Architecture (CIVA)
• Free indoor playground designed by the collective Assemble
• Rooftop with panoramic views over Brussels

Founded

2017

Operated by

Fondation Kanal

Director

Yves Goldstein

Admission & discounts

Prices for the art ticket (all art exhibitions except NO SHOW), valid for one day. Free with the Brussels Card, museumPASSmusées, ICOM and a press card. Much of the public space (showroom, ground-floor corridors, playground, library) is accessible without a ticket. Reduced rates are only granted on presentation of proof.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main building has four entrances without thresholds, with automatic doors, several lifts and a counter at an adapted height. Wheelchairs are free at reception (booking recommended), and folding chairs are available at the entrance to the exhibitions. Five parking spaces for people with reduced mobility are on the Quai de la Voirie. Induction loop at the info desk, at the ticket office and during guided tours; guided tours in sign language (VGT or LSFB); large-print guides, magnifying glasses, noise-cancelling headphones and sensory objects. Annex K1, on the other side of the canal, is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Free indoor playground on the first floor for children aged four and over (designed by the collective Assemble). Changing tables at reception, on a floor under the rooftop and near the playground; two children's toilets. Pushchairs are allowed throughout the main building.

Getting there & parking

A 40% discount on the SNCB return journey with the Discovery Ticket for those who buy their ticket online. Bike parking at each entrance; Villo! 49 station on the Quai de Willebroeck. The Waterbus serves the 'Kanal' stop from 1 May to 31 October.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in the building (network 'Kanal guest', no password). Brasserie Carrosserie, restaurant Jeanne, bakery, rooftop, the Bookshop bookstore and a shop. Free lockers at reception and a cloakroom next door.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Spaces can be hired, and B2B packages are available through Kanal Hospitality (conferences, receptions, product launches, film shoots); contact: events@kanal.brussels.

Plan your visit