Centre Culturel Jacques Franck

Was it a cinema first? Or a theater? The Centre Culturel Jacques Franck has worn many hats. Right now, you stand before a vibrant hub of Saint-Gilles culture, but its story echoes with the ghosts of performances past. The Centre Culturel Jacques Franck began its life as the Grand Cinema Saint Gillois before the First World War. In the 1930s, it transformed into the Elysee Cinema under Joseph Weckx. He also managed other entertainment venues, including the Leopold Palace, Albert Hall, and the Bristol. The Elysee Cinema entertained audiences through the 1950s and into the 1960s. After its closure, the building briefly became Le Theatre du Parvis. Eventually, the town hall took over and transformed it into the Centre Culturel Jacques Franck. The center is named after the mayor who championed its creation in 1970. He envisioned a space for larger events like festivals, film retrospectives, and exhibitions. He had a remarkably broad view of culture, aiming to establish a place of great cultural influence. While “Theatre du Parvis” closed after three years, the local authorities wanted to create a socio-cultural center. This led to the birth of the Centre Culturel Jacques Franck as we know it today. It serves the local French-speaking community with theater, exhibitions, and weekend film screenings. The Centre Culturel Jacques Franck strives to be a true community hub. It blends contemporary creation, daily artistic practices, current societal issues, and a convivial atmosphere. The center prioritizes a high-quality program showcasing contemporary creation, accessible to everyone in Saint-Gilles and surrounding areas. This includes theater, dance, cinema, visual arts, music, and events for adults and children, all created by professional artists. It’s a place where every person can actively participate in their own culture, reflecting the diverse realities of the local population.