From Student Roots to Cultural Landmark
The STUK Arts Centre (stuk.be) on Naamsestraat in Leuven proudly calls itself a House for Dance, Image, and Sound. Its story began in 1977, when the Kultuurraad of Leuven students founded a café with a small theatre room on Edward Van Evenstraat. Originally called ’t Stuc, it was born out of the spirit of May 1968, embracing experimental, daring, and student-driven culture under the leadership of Guido Minne.
Early Years: A Café, Jazz, and Theatre
In its first years, ’t Stuc was a lively hub where Sunday jazz sessions, theatre performances, and a student café created a dynamic cultural mix. Although informal and somewhat chaotic, these pioneering years laid the foundation for what would become a major cultural institution in Leuven.
Growth into a Citywide Arts Centre
Over time, STUK grew beyond its student base, becoming a recognized local and regional arts centre. Its programming expanded to include contemporary dance, visual arts, music, and film, attracting a broader Leuven audience and international attention.
A New Home: The Arenberg Building
Thanks to support from Mayor Louis Tobback, STUK secured funding for a permanent home. In 1996, the foundation stone was laid for the renovation of the Arenberg building, a former chemical laboratory. The new venue opened in January 2002, offering state-of-the-art spaces for performances, exhibitions, and cultural innovation.
Today, STUK remains a leading cultural institution in Leuven, blending artistic experimentation, student culture, and community engagement under one roof.
Nowadays, STUK is the house of dance and art !
Source: "The content of this article has been gathered from the book 'LEUVEN,' authored by Eric Mic and published in 2023."
Photos by Aslı Tezcan
