Stadsschouwburg

Stadsschouwburg in Bruges is one of the best-preserved city theatres in Europe, a landmark whose neo-Renaissance facade hides an interior that has hosted theatre, dance, and concerts for more than 150 years in the heart of this Flemish city.

Why was a new theatre needed?

In 1864, the city of Bruges decided it required a grand new theatre building. The chosen site had previously held a smaller venue known as the Comedie, dating back to 1756. Making room for the new complex meant demolishing 46 medieval buildings, straightening streets, and displacing 150 residents to create a new theatre square. The project reflected the ambitions of the city's 19th-century bourgeoisie, who wanted Bruges to have a temple of culture that could rival the theatres of Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels.

Who designed the building?

The design came from an architecture competition won by Gustave Saintenoy, who drew inspiration from the Paris opera house designed by Charles Garnier. That influence shows in the palatial scale of the neo-Renaissance complex. Construction began in 1867, led by main contractor H. Keller from Antwerp, working alongside C. Verschelde from Bruges.

When did the theatre open?

The city theatre opened on 30 September 1869 with a performance of "Les mousquetaires de la reine." A century later, in 1969, the building was granted royal status to mark its centenary, becoming the Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg — the Royal City Theatre.

Why is it nicknamed "La Bonbonnière"?

Behind the sober yet majestic neo-Renaissance facade lies a palatial foyer and an auditorium decorated in red and gold. The abundance of gold leaf, sumptuous decoration, and red seating earned the theatre its popular nickname, "La Bonbonnière" — literally, a box of chocolates.

How many people can it seat?

The auditorium and foyer together can accommodate up to 700 spectators, a capacity that supports everything from intimate contemporary dance performances to larger theatrical productions and concerts across various musical genres.

Has the theatre been restored?

Yes — the building underwent a thorough restoration in 2001, preserving its historic character while updating it to meet modern technical and safety standards for hosting events.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Stadsschouwburg located? In the centre of Bruges, on a square that was purpose-built for the theatre after the demolition of the original 19th-century streetscape.

Is it still an active theatre? Yes, the venue regularly hosts theatre performances, dance, and concerts, making it one of the city's main cultural stages.

Where does the royal title come from? The "Koninklijke" (Royal) title was granted in 1969 to mark the theatre's hundredth anniversary.

What is worth seeing inside? The palatial foyer and the red-and-gold auditorium, which gave the building its nickname, "La Bonbonnière."