On 27 November 2025, Anna Ochmann, President of the ARTeria Foundation, took part in a preview study visit to KANAL, Brussels’ new museum of contemporary art. The visit was organised as part of a Critical Friends gathering – an international network of cultural leaders and practitioners of which Anna Ochmann is a member.
The visit took place exactly one year and one day before the museum’s official opening. Together with representatives of the cultural and creative sectors from across Europe, participants had a unique opportunity to explore the emerging institution and learn more about one of the most ambitious museum projects currently under development in Europe.
KANAL is being created within the former Citroën garage, an iconic industrial building dating back to 1934. The architectural concept preserves the site’s distinctive industrial character while integrating three new climate-controlled structures that meet the strict conservation standards required for museum collections without compromising the spirit of the original building.
The visit inspired a broader discussion on the role of cultural institutions in contemporary society. Participants reflected on the significance of large-scale cultural investments in times of economic uncertainty, the impact of museums on urban regeneration and gentrification, the meaning of genuine accessibility, and the ways cultural institutions can engage local communities. The conversations also explored the responsibility of museums in shaping more inclusive, sustainable, and liveable cities.
An important aspect of the project is its partnership with Centre Pompidou in Paris. During its first five years of operation, the institution will operate under the name KANAL Centre Pompidou, presenting works from one of Europe’s most renowned collections of modern and contemporary art.
Even before its opening, KANAL has become a catalyst for important conversations about the future of museums – their social responsibility, their relationship with local communities, and the role of culture in urban transformation. It is set to become one of Brussels’ most significant cultural destinations.
