A night out in Charleroi: theatre, concerts and dance
Shows & theatres
in the heart of Charleroi
The main venues in Charleroi
Charleroi sometimes has a reputation as a grey city; its cultural life proves otherwise. Within a few streets, you go from a 1,800-seat main hall to a creative theatre, from a lively cultural centre to an internationally renowned contemporary dance institution. Palais des Beaux-Arts (PBA) Opened on 24 October 1957 on Place du Manège, the Palais des Beaux-Arts is the heart of Charleroi's cultural life. Designed by architect Joseph André, who also built the city hall, it offers some 15,000 m² devoted to the performing arts, including a 1,800-seat main hall with red velvet seats. Theatre, music, dance, opera and operetta: the programme covers almost every performing art. In the congress hall, don't miss the large fresco "La Fée ignorante" by René Magritte. Please note: a major renovation has been announced and is expected to affect the 2027-2028 seasons. Check the programme and venue before booking. The Eden Opened in October 1885 as the Eden-Théâtre, this red-brick building on Boulevard Jacques Bertrand is now home to the Centre culturel du Pays de Charleroi. Concerts, shows, comedy, exhibitions and workshops follow one another, and people also come for its brasserie and small garden. The Eden has become inseparable from the Charleroi Carnival and regularly hosts free evenings, such as its "Opening Fièsse" at the end of August. Charleroi danse – Les Écuries The choreographic centre of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, born from the former Royal Ballet of Wallonia, Charleroi danse turned firmly towards contemporary creation and has an international reputation. Its show "Kiss & Cry" has been performed more than 300 times, in 8 languages. Since 1998, the company has occupied Les Écuries, part of the former gendarmerie on Boulevard Mayence, extended in 2015 to 2,300 m² with rehearsal studios, artists' residences and a brasserie. The highlight is the Biennale de Charleroi danse, whose 2025 edition took place from 3 to 18 October. Getting there: metro to Charleroi Janson. L'Ancre A theatre for contemporary creation, L'Ancre breaks down the boundaries between the arts: theatre, dance, poetry, music and video come together in often surprising shows. Like the Eden and Charleroi danse, L'Ancre grew up within the Palais des Beaux-Arts. And also For concerts and alternative culture, the Rockerill in Marchienne-au-Pont is a 10-minute walk from the station (see our article on bars in Charleroi). Every summer, the Fête de la musique also takes over many venues across the city: 14 venues took part in 2026. Finally, find the year's big events on our events in Charleroi page. Good to know Programmes change every season, so book on each venue's website. For a night at the theatre without worrying about getting home, our rentals in Charleroi Centre make a convenient base.
Frequently asked questions
Shows in Charleroi
What are the main performance venues in Charleroi?
The main venues are the Palais des Beaux-Arts (PBA), with its 1,800-seat main hall; the Eden, the Centre culturel du Pays de Charleroi; Charleroi danse at Les Écuries, for contemporary dance; and L'Ancre, a theatre for contemporary creation.
Will the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Charleroi close for renovation?
A major renovation of the PBA has been announced. According to the press, it is expected to affect two seasons in 2027-2028. Until then, the programme continues: check pba.be before booking.
Where can I see contemporary dance in Charleroi?
At Charleroi danse, the choreographic centre of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, based at Les Écuries on Boulevard Mayence (metro Charleroi Janson). Its Biennale, in October, is the city's main dance event.
Photo credits, via Wikimedia Commons (photos cropped): Trougnouf – Benoit Brummer (CC BY 4.0); Jmh2o (CC BY-SA 4.0).