Bourlaschouwburg

Bourlaschouwburg is a historic theatre in Antwerp, standing as one of the city's notable examples of neoclassical architecture. The auditorium seats around 900 people, and the building still serves the purpose it was built for nearly two centuries ago — a working theatre at the heart of Antwerp.

Where does the name Bourlaschouwburg come from?

The name refers to the building's architect, Pierre Bourla, who held the position of city architect of Antwerp at the time. In 1827 the city commissioned him to design a new theatre building. The chosen site was not arbitrary — the theatre was built on the former grounds of the Tapissierspand, the city's tapestry market, where textiles and woven goods were once traded.

How long did construction take?

Construction began in 1829, but the process did not go smoothly. The outbreak of the Belgian Revolution in 1830, which led to Belgium's independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, delayed the project. The building was ultimately completed in 1834 — five years after the foundations were laid and seven years after the design was first commissioned.

What was the theatre originally called?

When it opened in 1834, the building operated under the name Grand Théâtre, also known as Théâtre Royal Français. This French name was no coincidence — the theatre was owned and operated at the time by a French company, which managed its artistic direction and programming. Over time, the building became associated instead with its architect's name, giving rise to today's Bourlaschouwburg.

What architectural style does the building represent?

The theatre was designed in the neoclassical style, an architectural movement drawing on the aesthetics of ancient Greece and Rome, marked by symmetry, columned facades and balanced proportions. This choice reflected broader trends in Western European civic architecture of the period, when theatres and other public buildings frequently looked back to classical models for inspiration.

Who uses the building today?

Today, Bourlaschouwburg is home to the theatre company Het Toneelhuis. The company was formed through the merger of two previously independent theatre groups, Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg and Blauwe Maandag Compagnie. This merger brought the city a single, stronger artistic institution that continues the building's theatrical tradition stretching back to the 19th century.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can the auditorium seat? The Bourlaschouwburg auditorium seats around 900 people.

Who designed the building? The building was designed by Pierre Bourla, city architect of Antwerp, following a commission from the city in 1827.

When did the theatre open? The theatre opened in 1834, even though construction had already started in 1829 — the delay was caused by the Belgian Revolution.

What stood on this site before the theatre? The site previously housed the Tapissierspand, the city's tapestry market.

Which theatre company operates there today? The building is now home to Het Toneelhuis, formed from the merger of Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg and Blauwe Maandag Compagnie.