The Magnificent Theater Building of Leuven
The Concert and Theater Hall (De Stadsschouwburg) of Leuven was constructed in 1867 to replace the Frascati hall, which was demolished by the construction of the aforementioned avenue. Construction started in 1864 and the solemn opening took place on September 3, 1867.
Apart from the exterior and hall walls, the building was almost completely destroyed by the 1914 fire. A. Alban completed the reconstruction in 1931, after which a competition was organized in the same year for the design and decoration of the building. The winner of this competition was the architect Jules Van den Hende.
In March 1938, the new municipal theater opened solemnly and was considered one of the most modern in the country in terms of infrastructure and technical installations.
During bombardments in 1944-45 the building was damaged again, this was repaired by architect L. Mispelter in 1952. In the period 1994-1996 a few more renewals, refurbishments, and restoration works were followed by Ontwerpburo V.D.F on behalf of the city of Leuven.
Apart from the exterior and hall walls, the building was almost completely destroyed by the 1914 fire. A. Alban completed the reconstruction in 1931, after which a competition was organized in the same year for the design and decoration of the building. The winner of this competition was the architect Jules Van den Hende.
In March 1938, the new municipal theater opened solemnly and was considered one of the most modern in the country in terms of infrastructure and technical installations.
During bombardments in 1944-45 the building was damaged again, this was repaired by architect L. Mispelter in 1952. In the period 1994-1996 a few more renewals, refurbishments, and restoration works were followed by Ontwerpburo V.D.F on behalf of the city of Leuven.
The hall capacity currently amounts to approximately 750 seats.
On November 9, 1994, the building was granted protected monument status by ministerial decree. The most recent renovation phase has been done on October 21, 2013.
(Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadsschouwburg_Leuven) Photo by Aslı Tezcan