The former MIMA becomes JAM Sonor: a new music hub in Molenbeek
JAM and VOLTA are giving this iconic building on the banks of the canal in Molenbeek a new cultural purpose
On 2 October 2026, JAM Sonor powered by VOLTA will open its doors in the former MIMA building, on the banks of the canal in Molenbeek. This new Brussels music hub spans four floors dedicated to rehearsals, production, artistic development and live music. With this project, JAM is giving the iconic building a new, permanent cultural purpose and, together with VOLTA, is creating a space designed to welcome a new generation of musicians.
The building on Quai de Hainaut, which housed the MIMA for many years, will not become a traditional concert hall. JAM Sonor aims to be a place where music is not only performed, but above all where it is created and can flourish.
Spread over four floors, the space will feature rehearsal studios, production facilities and shared workspaces, as well as a programme of concerts, listening sessions, talks and meetings with key figures from the music industry. From the very first year, two musical events will be scheduled each week. From spring 2027, the rooftop will also be made available to host events.
A space dedicated to music in the city
JAM is developing this project in collaboration with VOLTA, the Brussels-based music centre that has been mentoring and supporting emerging musicians for over seven years.
JAM Sonor addresses a real challenge facing Brussels and other European cities: where can young musicians still rehearse, produce, experiment and perform when affordable spaces are becoming increasingly scarce?
With JAM Sonor, JAM and VOLTA aim not only to create a stage, but also to put in place the necessary infrastructure leading up to a concert. Musicians will find a space there to work, take risks, meet other artists and further develop their craft.
The result is a venue where the different stages of a musical career come together: from the first rehearsal and production to meeting industry professionals and the public.
The hospitality industry as cultural infrastructure
For JAM, JAM Sonor forms part of a broader vision of hospitality. The group, which owns hotels in Brussels, Ghent, Porto and Lisbon and is set to open new properties in Marseille and Rome, does not view its buildings merely as places to sleep, eat or drink.
JAM aims to create spaces where artists, designers and musicians can also work, experiment and meet. Not through traditional sponsorship, but by genuinely integrating the space and infrastructure into a city’s cultural vitality.
With JAM Sonor, this vision is taking shape for the first time on this scale through a permanent musical programme.
The transformation of the former MIMA thus raises a broader question: what role can private stakeholders and the hospitality sector play today in a city’s cultural ecosystem?
Opening on 2 and 3 October
JAM Sonor will open its doors on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2026 with a programme of talks, concerts, listening sessions, a music exhibition and DJ sets.
On Friday 2 October, the building will be presented to the press and guests from 3 pm, with presentations and a first look at the various spaces. The event will open to the public at 6 pm with live concerts and DJ sets.
JAM Sonor powered by VOLTA
Quai du Hainaut 41
1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Brussels
Press preview
Friday 2 October 2026 — 3.00 pm
Open to the public
Friday 2 October — talks, live concerts and DJ sets
Saturday 3 October — live concerts and activities
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About JAM
JAM is a collection of hotels based in Brussels, Ghent, Porto and Lisbon, which will soon be expanding to Marseille and Rome. Behind JAM lies a collective of engineers, designers, creators, environmental experts and chefs who view the hospitality industry as a fertile ground for creativity, collaboration and experimentation.
In addition to its hotels, JAM develops initiatives that offer artists, designers and musicians a space dedicated to creation, collaboration and showcasing their work.
JAM is a BCorp™-certified company .
About VOLTA
VOLTA is a Brussels-based music centre which, for over seven years, has been supporting musicians in developing their artistic practice and professional careers. With a ‘grassroots’ approach, VOLTA offers artistic, logistical and technical support, and builds bridges between emerging talent, the music industry and the public.
Through its partnership with JAM Sonor, this initiative is expanding to a new venue in Molenbeek, equipped with facilities dedicated to creation, production, dissemination and networking.