CC Cultuurfabriek

CC Cultuurfabriek is the cultural centre of the city of Damme, housed in a former paper factory in Sijsele, a district that once served as an important local employer during the 1960s and 1970s. After the factory ceased operations, the building stood vacant for years and gradually fell into disrepair, until the city decided in the mid-2000s to give it an entirely new purpose.

How was the old factory turned into a cultural centre?

The thorough renovation went beyond simply restoring the existing structure — it also added a modern theatre hall with a capacity of 300 people. Exhibition spaces, meeting rooms and a fully equipped kitchen were built as well, allowing the venue to host everything from cultural performances to social gatherings and private events. The architects behind the project aimed to combine the building's industrial character with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, honouring its factory past rather than erasing it.

What can visitors see inside?

In the foyer, where the bar is located, the original roof truss and a section of raw, unplastered brick wall were preserved, offering a direct link to the building's industrial origins. Elsewhere, red brick is combined with concrete and steel, while custom-made cabinets arranged in colourful, stripe-like patterns and warm carpets soften the overall industrial feel. A central patio brings natural light and air into the heart of the building, opening up spaces that once served purely functional, production purposes.

What role does the venue play in the community today?

Cultuurfabriek has become a gathering place for the community of Damme and the surrounding area, hosting concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions and a wide variety of cultural events aimed at both local residents and visiting tourists. The 300-seat theatre hall makes larger productions possible, while the smaller exhibition rooms and meeting spaces support more intimate initiatives, workshops and conferences.

Frequently asked questions

What was Cultuurfabriek before its renovation? The building was originally a paper factory and an important employer for the local Sijsele community during the 1960s and 1970s, before falling into disuse once production stopped.

When did the building get its new function? The extensive renovation that turned it into a cultural centre took place in the mid-2000s, including the addition of a 300-seat theatre hall.

What are the notable features inside? The foyer preserves original industrial elements — the roof truss and raw brick wall — combined with modern, warm finishes and a central patio that brings daylight into the building.

What kind of events take place here? The venue hosts concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions and community gatherings, functioning as the main cultural hub of the city of Damme.