De Nieuwe Vrede

De Nieuwe Vrede is a multipurpose cultural venue in the Berchem district of Antwerp, located at Vredestraat 16-22. Combining a theatre hall, event rooms, exhibition space and a café, the site carries a history stretching back to the late nineteenth century.

Where did the building and its name come from?

The building was constructed in 1895 as a parish house (patronaat) attached to the St Willibrordus church, built in a neo-Gothic style and originally used as a meeting and activity space for parishioners. In 1936 the building was expanded, taking on a shape close to the theatre complex seen today. For decades it operated under the name "De Vrede" and was run by a group of parish volunteers.

What role did it play in local culture?

The hall was for a long time a rehearsal and performance space for numerous amateur theatre groups from Berchem and the surrounding area. It also hosted the annual Landjuweel, a traditional amateur theatre competition with deep roots in Belgian stage culture. Despite this rich history, the potential of the hall complex largely went unused for many years.

How was the venue brought back to life?

A group of committed Berchem residents saw an opportunity in the gradually underused building and wanted to turn it into a new space for art and community gathering. They took over the building on a long-term lease from the parish and transformed it into a venue operating under the name "De Nieuwe Vrede" — the New Peace. The ribbon was ceremonially cut and the renovated complex officially opened on 22 September 2012.

What does De Nieuwe Vrede offer today?

The complex comprises thirteen different rooms used for meetings, rehearsals, exhibitions and congresses. At its heart is a full-scale theatre hall seating 210 spectators, equipped with a 12-by-7-metre stage, a professional lighting system, dressing rooms for performers and a loading dock for scenery. Visitors can also enjoy a cosy café to meet before or after an event.

Today the venue functions as a flexible event hall, hosting concerts, conferences, debates, lectures, networking events, theatre performances and school activities. Given the nature of the space, religious activities are not permitted there.

Who is this place for?

De Nieuwe Vrede mainly appeals to Antwerp residents interested in the local cultural scene — amateur theatre enthusiasts, conference and networking attendees, and anyone looking for an intimate hall to host a private or corporate event. It also stands as a good example of how a local community can preserve a historic building and give it new life through its own initiative.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is De Nieuwe Vrede located? At Vredestraat 16-22 in the Berchem district of Antwerp.

How many people can the theatre hall seat? The main theatre hall has 210 seats.

Since when has the current De Nieuwe Vrede been operating? The renovated complex officially opened on 22 September 2012, though the building itself dates back to 1895.

Can the venue host a conference or corporate meeting? Yes, the complex offers thirteen different rooms suited among other things to conferences and networking events.