In 1830, this theatre witnessed the beginning of the "September Days". During a performance of La Muette de Portici by Auber, the audience sparked off the rebellion. Rebuilt in 1855 by Poelaert en 1855, the building was renovated in 1985-86. The postmodernist part that was added at that point blends in perfectly with the original neo-Classical building. The interior is richly decorated, by well-known contemporary artists such as Buren.