Namur Open-Air Theatre

Namur Open-Air Theatre is a historic amphitheatre built inside the Citadel of Namur, on the hill overlooking the city at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. The complex was constructed between 1908 and 1910 to designs by the Brussels-based architect Georges Hobé, backed by an initiative of King Leopold II, at a time when the former military stronghold was being reshaped into a cultural and recreational site. The official inauguration took place on 14 August 1910.

What does the theatre look like and how was it built?

The theatre is considered one of the first civil buildings in Belgium constructed in reinforced concrete, an innovative technique for its time. Its stone tiers are carved directly into the natural slope of the citadel, giving spectators a clear view of the stage as well as of the surrounding landscape. Architecturally the building blends neoclassical forms with touches of Art Deco and Art Nouveau, echoing the ancient tradition of open-air spectacle. The theatre forms one half of a single architectural ensemble, the other half being the adjoining Stade des Jeux (games stadium), with which it shares both structure and history.

How many people could it hold, and what was it used for?

Georges Hobé designed the tiered seating to accommodate around two thousand five hundred spectators. In the decades following its opening, the theatre and the neighbouring stadium hosted a wide variety of events: concerts, opera performances, dance shows, sporting competitions, and even horticultural exhibitions. The site therefore served both high culture and large public gatherings, reflecting the broader idea of turning a former fortress into a space open to the city's residents.

What role does it play today?

Since 1985 the theatre has regularly hosted the Verdur Rock music festival, making it one of the recognisable concert venues in the Namur region. Because of its historical and architectural significance, the theatre and the adjoining games stadium were officially listed as a protected monument on 8 January 2016 and included among Wallonia's exceptional heritage sites. In August 2024, a large-scale restoration of the whole ensemble began, planned to run for roughly 650 working days — about three years — with the aim of repairing the structure and restoring its original character.

Where exactly is it located?

The theatre stands within the Citadel of Namur in southern Belgium, at coordinates close to 50.456°N, 4.856°E, inside the large fortified complex that has long served as both a public park and one of the city's main tourist attractions.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the theatre? The architect Georges Hobé, commissioned in connection with an initiative of King Leopold II.

When was it built? Construction ran from 1908 to 1910, with the official opening on 14 August 1910.

How many spectators can it seat? Around two thousand five hundred.

Is the theatre still in use? Yes, although since 2024 it has been undergoing a multi-year restoration; since 1985 it has regularly hosted the Verdur Rock festival.

Is the site legally protected? Yes, together with the adjoining games stadium it was classified as a protected monument in 2016 and listed among Wallonia's exceptional heritage properties.