Announced as the 21st century museum, Kanal – Center Pompidou is preparing to open its doors in Brussels on the site of the old Citroën garage. Even before his inauguration, he is already talking about him, with his first selected works and an assertive artistic ambition.

For a long time nicknamed “the automotive cathedral”, the former Citroën garage in Brussels is about to start a new life. In a few months, he will become one of the biggest museums in Europe: Kanal – Center Pompidou. With its 40,000 square meters of surface, its 230 million euros in investment and seven years of transformation, the project displays ambitions up to its excess.

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The roof has just been laid, marking an important step in the site. But the museum is not yet ready to welcome its first works or its audience. “We are creating a museum with an almost equivalent number of m² of exhibition space that the Center Pompidou in Paris, that the Tate Modern in London and that the MoMA in New York,” explains Yves Goldstein, director of the Kanal Foundation.

A clean identity, despite the Pompidou DNA

Partner of the prestigious Center Pompidou in Paris, Kanal will not be a simple Belgian reply. If similarities will exist – especially in major interior walks, and architecture largely inspired by glass and steel – the museum intends to keep its own identity. “We are going to enter Kanal as we enter the Center Pompidou,” says Xavier Rey, director of the Museum of Modern Art, Center Pompidou in Paris. “In a living space, which we can cross, in which we can stroll, in which we can work, go to read, see art, discuss … and that’s what, in the relationship with architecture, brings the two buildings closer. »»

A 21st century museum, open to all

More than a museum, Kanal wants to be a real place of life. Bookstore, bakery, rooftop: space intends to mix culture and conviviality. As vast as the Parisian Pompidou Center, it aims to be a place of sharing and meetings, designed for all audiences, and not only for art lovers. “Nearly 20,000 m² on the 40,000 m² will be free, accessible and inclusive public spaces,” says the director. “To allow the Brussels residents, especially those who are not used to going to a museum, to understand that the museum is for everyone. »»

Artists already selected

Some works are already part of the museum collection. Among them, those of the plastic artist Aline Bouvy, known for her singular aesthetic and her sometimes irreverent tone. Kanal acquired one of his bas-reliefs representing naked police officers, a daring work presented on metal gates.

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An important recognition for this Belgian-Luxembourg artist, already exhibited in London and Berlin. “We also integrate a catalog of work which can be loaned from institution to institution,” says Aline Bouvy. “And then travel, be stored in good conditions, be pampered …”

An opening that comes to the right time

While the Parisian Pompidou Center firm for five years of renovation, the calendar plays in favor of Brussels. This closure could allow Kanal to attract an international audience in search of a new showcase of modern and contemporary art. “It offers an additional opportunity for certain works of art that never leaves Paris,” says Yves Goldstein. “They can potentially come to Brussels. »»

A project under fire of criticism

Since its inception, the project has not escaped controversies, especially on its cost, in a tense budgetary context for culture.

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The challenge is great, but the project leaders rely on the long -term impact of such an institution. “I believe in the social utility of museums,” says Xavier Rey, director of the Museum of Modern Art, Center Pompidou in Paris. “It is up to the capacity of museums to meet the most current expectations such as sustainable development, social cohesion but also the dialogue of cultures and peace. The period is difficult but I remain convinced that the contribution of an institution like Kanal is decisive to approach the future with serenity. »»

An international ambition

With an opening scheduled for November 28, Kanal hopes to register in the international network of the Center Pompidou, already present in Shanghai, Malaga or Seoul. A way for Brussels to strengthen its place on the global cultural map.