Flagey: packet boat and sound factory

The iconic radio building on the always bustling Flagey Square was built between 1935 and 1938 as a progressive “sound factory” for the Nationaal Instituut for Radio Broadcasting. Architect Joseph Diongre gave the complex its characteristic shape of a stately ocean liner, a concept that made an international impression due to its innovative architecture, exceptional functionality, and groundbreaking acoustics. A look behind the scenes Today we know the building as Flagey, a lively cultural house. It houses not only concert halls, studios, and meeting rooms, but also an active radio and TV station of the city channel BRUZZ that keeps the original purpose of the building alive. That Dat Flagey is still standing is in itself remarkable: due to its lamentable state, it was proposed at the end of the 20th century to demolish it. Thanks to strong public mobilization followed by a restoration, it is now a recognizable, protected, and beloved city icon that we can admire today. During the tour, you will discover the hidden world behind the rounded facades: the original recording studios, the technical rooms, and the impressive machine room. This gives you a unique look at a modernist masterpiece that not only breathes history but still plays a role in the cultural landscape of Brussels every day.