De Kaekelaar

De Kaekelaar is the main performance hall of Cultuurcentrum Schoten, a cultural center that has served this municipality just outside Antwerp since 1959, making it one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Flanders. The venue sits at Sint-Cordulastraat 10 in Schoten and hosts the majority of the center's theater shows, concerts, and film screenings.

What happens inside De Kaekelaar?

The hall seats around 400 people and is fully equipped for professional theater productions, with proper stage lighting, sound systems, and backstage facilities. The regular program includes drama performances, concerts — among them so-called aperitif concerts, intimate musical performances typically scheduled in the late morning or early afternoon — as well as film screenings and courses aimed at local residents.

What makes this hall stand out?

A defining feature of De Kaekelaar is its movable tribune seating. This system allows the space to be reconfigured quickly from a classic theater layout, with rows of seats facing the stage, into an open, multi-purpose hall suitable for standing events, fairs, banquets, or gatherings arranged with tables and chairs. That flexibility means the hall is used not only for cultural programming but also rented out for private and corporate events.

What role does Cultuurcentrum Schoten play?

Cultuurcentrum Schoten has a long institutional history, founded in 1959, and for decades it has been one of the pillars of cultural life in Schoten, a municipality bordering Antwerp. Besides De Kaekelaar, the center also organizes events at other locations within the municipality, including the local castle. Even so, De Kaekelaar remains the primary stage where the vast majority of the center's performances, concerts, and screenings take place.

Who is this venue for?

De Kaekelaar is a natural stop for anyone in the region interested in theater, classical or popular music, and film — the cultural center's program is varied and spans both adult-oriented events and educational offerings. For visitors passing through Schoten, the hall can make for an interesting evening activity, particularly if a festival, concert, or theater premiere happens to coincide with the visit. It's worth checking the current schedule before planning a stop, since the program changes seasonally.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can De Kaekelaar hold? The hall can accommodate roughly 400 spectators in a theater seating arrangement.

Where exactly is De Kaekelaar located? The venue is located at Sint-Cordulastraat 10 in Schoten, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium.

Can the hall be rented for private events? Yes — thanks to its movable tribune, the space can be converted into a multi-purpose venue and rented for events, conferences, or banquets; inquiries are handled through the Cultuurcentrum Schoten office.

What kinds of events take place most often at De Kaekelaar? Most commonly theater performances, musical concerts (including intimate aperitif concerts), film screenings, and various courses and cultural activities organized by the center.

Is De Kaekelaar the only hall used by Cultuurcentrum Schoten? No — the center also uses other locations within the municipality, but De Kaekelaar is its main and most frequently used performance venue.