't Arsenaal

't Arsenaal is a theatre in Mechelen tucked into greenery right in the city centre, standing beside the Dijle river and next to the city's botanical garden, the Kruidtuin. The venue sits on Hanswijkstraat, occupying former buildings that belonged to the Church Factory of Our Lady of Hanswijk — placing it directly next to the historic Hanswijk basilica and inside the grounds of the former Hanswijk monastery, where the theatre has operated since 1982.

Where does the name and history come from?

The name "Arsenaal" reflects the earlier use of the buildings, but the theatrical institution itself traces its roots to the Mechels Miniatuur Teater (MMT), founded in 1956. This small chamber stage gradually grew into a full theatre house, and in the 2002-2003 season it formally folded the MMT's legacy into its identity as theater arsenaal.

What does the building itself offer?

The complex consists of two theatre halls connected by a bridge over the Dijle directly to the Kruidtuin botanical garden — an unusual pairing of theatre architecture with green space in the heart of the city. Beyond the performance halls, the venue includes a foyer, the so-called White Hall (Witte Zaal), the Great Hall (Grote Zaal), a mezzanine, and a rehearsal room. The largest room seats up to 220 people for catered events and holds up to 300 for standing receptions. Because of this, 't Arsenaal is rented out not only for performances but also for receptions, corporate and family dinners, exhibitions, seminars, and meetings.

Who shapes the programme today?

Since 2017, the resident company has been LAZARUS, which together with Ruud Gielens and Sarah Eisa sets the artistic policy of the house. LAZARUS is made up of Günther Lesage, Joris Van den Brande, Pieter Genard, Ryszard Turbiasz, and Koen De Graeve. The theatre operates under the combined name arsenaal/lazarus, pairing the venue's brand with that of its resident company.

What is the theatre's artistic profile?

't Arsenaal both produces its own shows and hosts guest performances from other companies, runs a café, and organizes small- and large-scale city projects, making it an active part of Mechelen's cultural life. Over the years the stage has produced works including "Une liaison pornographique," "Hoffmann," "PUIN," "De Pruimelaarstraat," "Hitler is dood" directed by Stijn Devillé, "FEBAR," and a remake of "De Kollega's" — a body of work reflecting a varied and often daring artistic profile.

Frequently asked questions

Is 't Arsenaal a single building or a group of halls? It's a complex of two theatre halls linked to the surroundings by a bridge over the Dijle, along with a foyer and additional rooms (Witte Zaal, Grote Zaal, mezzanine) plus a rehearsal room.

How many people can the largest hall hold? Up to 220 people seated with catering, and up to 300 for a standing reception.

Who currently runs the artistic programme? The company LAZARUS, resident at the theatre since 2017, together with Ruud Gielens and Sarah Eisa.

Where does the theatre's name come from? The institution originates from the Mechels Miniatuur Teater, founded in 1956; it later took the name and home "arsenaal," operating from the former monastery buildings on Hanswijkstraat since 1982.

Can the venue be rented for non-theatrical events? Yes — beyond performances, 't Arsenaal is used for receptions, corporate and family dinners, exhibitions, seminars, and meetings.