Before us stands K1. This temporary venue is currently hosting a program of events. These events lead up to the opening of the future KANAL-Centre Pompidou. K1 is located at 1 Avenue du Port. It sits directly across the canal from the future KANAL-Centre Pompidou.
The KANAL-Centre Pompidou is currently undergoing renovations. K1 offers the opportunity to continue KANAL’s activities in the meantime. The facade of K1 is clad in wood. The interior design features an industrial style.
KANAL-Centre Pompidou will be a highly desirable hotspot. It will take up 40,000 square meters in the center of Brussels in 2026. It will be a museum for art and architecture. It will also serve as a multi-functional venue. A place to meet dine and party.
But KANAL is eager to welcome guests. That’s why they have crossed the canal to this wooden pavilion. Here they host events at K1. This ephemeral location offers a stunning view. It is the perfect venue to host all types of events.
K1 has two floors. The first floor measures 260 square meters. The second floor is 295 square meters. It features a glass facade. K1 can accommodate up to 650 people for a single event. The largest room can accommodate 160 people seated in theatre style.
Getting here is easy. K1 is a 15-minute walk from the North Station. It is also a 5-minute walk from the Yser metro station. K1 is located in the northern part of Brussels. The venue is easily accessible from the city center and the Ring.
The main KANAL – Centre Pompidou building has a rich history. It was originally built as a garage for the Citroën company. The garage was constructed between 1933 and 1934. French architect Maurice-Jacques Ravazé led the project. He worked with Belgian architects Alexis Dumont and Marcel Van Goethem. Louis Hoebeke modified the building in 1954.
The building occupies most of the block. It is enclosed by Square Sainctelette, Quai des Péniches, Quai de la Voirie and Quai de Willebroeck. The former showroom was a single 21-meter-high volume. It had a glass facade. In the 1950s, several floors were added to the showroom.
In March 2015, the government of the Brussels-Capital Region and Groupe PSA reached an agreement for the sale of the site. The sale was finalized on October 29, 2015, for €20.5 million.
Prior to the renovation, KANAL – Centre Pompidou pre-opened in May 2018. This event was called KANAL Brut. Bernard Blistène curated the event. It featured works from the collection of the Centre Pompidou. It also included a film studio designed by Michel Gondry. The museum closed for renovations in June 2019.
While the main building is under renovation, K1 provides a glimpse into the future. It showcases the vision of KANAL-Centre Pompidou. It offers a space for art culture and connection. It keeps the spirit of KANAL alive.