Announced on April 12, 2024, the European Heritage Label is bestowed by the EU upon sites, buildings, documents, museums and events that have significantly shaped modern Europe. The Toone Theatre is one of only seven sites across the continent to receive the honour this year.
The Toone is the only remaining theatre of its kind in Brussels still performing the ancient tradition of rod puppetry. Puppeteers concealed behind a screen manipulate the marionettes by pulling rods, bringing classic European stories and satirical tales to life on stage.
Rod puppetry has roots dating back to travelling Renaissance carnivals and was widely popular across Europe in the 19th century. At the Toone, the repertoire ranges from legendary works like Dracula and Faust to original comedic sketches.
Nicolas Geal, whose family has operated the Theatre Toone for generations hopes that "it may inspire new initiatives to continue passing down this unique art form."
In addition to showcasing European literature and history through puppetry, the Toone has long provided a treasured platform for satirical free speech. During periods of oppression in former Flanders, the puppet theatres cheekily mocked authorities through their performances.
The European Heritage Label requires awarded sites to effectively present their continental significance through outreach, events and digital technology. The recognized locations are encouraged to collaborate on joint projects exploring shared histories and cultures.
Brussels' famed biannual Flower Carpet tradition may also receive UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status soon, helping to preserve both the city's beloved floral monument and its distinct puppetry customs.
Following the awards ceremony, a two-day gathering of organizations managing European Heritage Label sites and the national coordinators of the label will take place.
The European Heritage Label requires awarded sites to effectively present their continental significance through outreach, events and digital technology. The recognized locations are encouraged to collaborate on joint projects exploring shared histories and cultures.
The event is organized by the European Heritage Label Bureau, a network of heritage sites co-funded by the EU's Creative Europe program. The official award ceremony will take place on April 17 in Antwerp, Belgium.
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The European Heritage Label is a recognition awarded by the European Union to buildings, documents, museums, archives, monuments or events that are considered to be milestones in the creation of today's Europe. The European Heritage Label was launched in 2005 by France and other Member States of the European Union to highlight the European dimension of cultural properties, monuments, cultural sites, places of remembrance, etc. that bear witness to European history or European integration.
To date, 60 European sites have been labelled, including 5 in France: Cluny (Burgundy), the Robert Schuman House (Lorraine), the European district of Strasbourg (Alsace), the former Natzweiler concentration camp and its annexes (France-Germany) and the Place of Remembrance at Chambon-sur-Lignon (Haute-Loire).
