“It is important for us to be a meeting place for multiple cultures,” says Malaika Khanfar, spokesperson for Daarkom. “Flanders has more than one culture. People from West Flanders view the world differently than people from Limburg. And Morocco, too, has many cultures, like Berber, Jewish, etc. In Arabic, daarkom means ‘your house’; in Dutch it consists of the words daar, there, and kom, come. Coming together with others, that’s what we’re about.”

The Muntplein is under heavy construction, and Daarkom’s entrance doesn’t look very inviting just yet. The Moroccan and Flemish streamers are rather discreet, and it takes some courage to climb the long black stairs that lead to the first floor (there is a lift, should you need one).

Once there, however, a beautiful surprise lies inside. Daarkom is an architectural gem, with a contemporary, airy feel, created by interior designer Karim Osmani and A2D architects.

The old theatre, the core of the building, has been coated in a box and seems to float in space. The walls look like they’re made of paper, but are in fact covered in carved, painted cedar wood. The Moroccan carvings return in pillars, ceilings and furniture throughout the two floors. White and black are the main colours, while in the evening Daarkom glows in a golden light.

“We wanted to avoid a stereotypical image of Morocco, with rugs, water pipes and belly dancers,” Khanfar explains. “Visitors of Moroccan origin often compliment us for the way we present a modern version of their culture.” She points at the carved ceiling. “This you’ll find in many a Moroccan home, but mostly in a round or square shape. Here, the architect decided on an oval to match the table that is underneath. And while in Morocco the ceilings are often painted in the brightest of colours, we left it white.”

“An open house”

Daarkom has been in the making for a few years, but was officially opened in its first permanent location during the last weekend of September by Flemish minister of culture Joke Schauvliege and her Moroccan minister of culture Bensalem Himmich. “Instead of cutting the customary tape, they tied two pieces together,” Khanfar says. “Our logo, too, is inspired by the idea of bringing people together: an accolade [music symbol], which stands for connection.”

The new space certainly has what it takes. A trendy café overlooking the busy Muntplein and Nieuwstraat is a great place to relax with a mint tea or a cup of coffee (Flemish, served in a Moroccan glass). Low sofas invite the visitor to the lounge area, where a selection of newspapers and magazines is on offer. The meeting room upstairs with its large oval table and matching ceiling is available to rent, as is the workshop space next to it. The spacious and bright hallways function as an exhibition space.

The renovation of the old theatre has taken longer and cost more than was planned, and its spiritual father, Schauvliege’s predecessor Bert Anciaux, has had to leave his baby in the hands of others. The programme at this point is limited. But Khanfar looks at the positive side. “Everything is open to us; anything is possible in the future. That’s what makes it so exciting.”

Music and dancing celebrated the opening weekend, with performances of Flemish musicians Frank Vander linden and Klaas Delrue and their Moroccan colleagues Nabyla Maan, Hamid Bouchnak en Barry Maroc. Celebrity chefs Albert Verdeyen and Choumicha acted as the jury for a cooking contest. Plans for the future include a monthly event where celebrities will present their favourite books over lunch.

“We’re hoping to touch upon all aspects of culture: literature, poetry, theatre, music, but also the art of everyday living, like cooking or fashion,” says Khanfar. “Our opening weekend showed that we can reach all kinds of people: young and old, Flemish, Moroccan, Flemish of Moroccan origin and other people also. We really aim to make this an open house.”

Daarkom’s cultural programme may be limited for the time being, but you’d be well advised to pop in anyway, if only to admire the building from inside. And while you’re there, don’t forget that coffee or mint tea, with a view.

www.daarkom.be