The Magnificent Theater Building of Leuven

The Concert and Theater Hall (De Stadsschouwburg) in Leuven was built in 1867, replacing the Frascati hall, which was demolished to make way for a new avenue. Construction began in 1864, and the hall’s grand opening took place on September 3, 1867.

Tragically, a fire in 1914 nearly destroyed the building, sparing only the exterior and hall walls. Reconstruction was completed in 1931 by A. Alban, followed by a design and decoration competition, which was won by architect Jules Van den Hende.

In March 1938, the newly restored municipal theater reopened and was hailed as one of the country’s most modern facilities in terms of infrastructure and technical installations.

The building sustained further damage during the bombings of 1944-45, which was later repaired by architect L. Mispelter in 1952. Between 1994 and 1996, additional renovations and restorations were carried out by Ontwerpburo V.D.F on behalf of the city of Leuven, increasing the hall’s seating capacity to approximately 750.