Capitole Theatre

Capitole Theatre is one of Ghent's most distinctive performance venues, pairing a pre-cinema neoclassical facade with an art-deco interior that has served both film audiences and stage productions across nearly a century.

Where does the building's facade come from?

The exterior facade, featuring a triangular pediment and a neoclassical-style colonnade, actually predates the venue's life as a cinema — it dates back to 1850. That gap between the older, restrained street front and the far more ambitious interior behind it is part of what makes the building stand out in central Ghent today.

When was the cinema built, and by whom?

In 1932, architect Geo Henderick built a new auditorium behind the existing facade, one that was considered close to perfect for its time in terms of both acoustics and sightlines. The Capitole Cinema was never limited to film screenings alone: its programme also included live entertainment, ranging from small variety acts to large-scale revues featuring many of the era's biggest stars. From the outset, the venue functioned as a meeting point between cinema and live show business rather than as a pure screening room.

What happened to the cinema after its heyday?

The Capitole Cinema operated for decades before finally closing its doors in 1986. The building then sat empty for 14 years — a long stretch during which a venue with such architectural and acoustic potential remained unused in the heart of the city. That changed when the property was acquired by Geert Allaert, opening the way for its second life.

How was it revived as a theatre?

Following extensive refurbishment and modernisation, the building reopened on Sunday, 28 October 2001, this time as a performing arts venue under the name Capitole Theatre. The reopening was marked by the premiere of the musical "Camelot." As part of the renovation, the auditorium itself was expanded, with a larger stage and enlarged backstage area designed to support far more complex stage productions than the venue's earlier film programme required.

What is Capitole Theatre today?

Today, Capitole Theatre is a key fixture on Ghent's cultural map, hosting musicals, concerts, and comedy shows. Its art-deco interior, preserved through repeated rounds of modernisation, remains the venue's signature feature and continues to draw both local audiences and visitors interested in the history of performance architecture.

Frequently asked questions

Was Capitole Theatre originally a cinema? Yes — the building was constructed as a cinema in 1932, behind a 19th-century facade, and has only operated as a theatre since 2001, following years of closure and a full renovation.

Who designed the venue's interior? The interior was designed by architect Geo Henderick, whose layout was praised at the time for its acoustics and sightlines.

Why was the cinema closed for so long? The Capitole Cinema ceased operating in 1986 and stood empty for 14 years until a new owner stepped in to invest in restoring it.

What was the first show after it reopened? The theatre reopened on 28 October 2001 with the premiere of the musical "Camelot."