Since its creation in 1967, one of the great strengths of the Opéra Royal de Wallonie is its desire to operate as an independent entity.

For this reason, the theatre set up its own set-building and costume-making shops in the 70s. At the time, the buildings housing the different trades were scattered across the city. These shops were highly productive and, over the course of the years, achieved a high standard of work which the set-builders and stage designers were proud to maintain.

During the 96/97 season, when the colossal sets and costumes for La Traviata were being realised, new requirements made themselves felt. If the shops wanted to keep pace with their growing reputation, a solution to the lack of space and functionality of the existing premises needed to be found fast.

The Opéra Royal de Wallonie therefore decided to centralise its production departments on one site, in Ans, in June 2002. This new architectural ensemble extends across an area of 2660m² and thus groups the shops on one sole site: set-building (carpentry, ironwork, painting, decoration and accessories), costumes (tailoring, shoemaking, costume decoration) and make-up/wigs.

Thanks to this grouping, the Opéra Royal de Wallonie strengthened its position in the contemporary opera world and its ability to produce and co-produce high quality shows on a large scale.