Flemish Opera

Operetta, contemporary dance, classical ballet—this kind of vocabulary fits the world of the building in front of you like a glove. Commonly known as the Flemish Opera, this theatre is actually one of the two stages of Opera Vlaanderen, the company formed in 1996 when the opera houses of Antwerp and Ghent joined forces. Together, they make up the largest cultural institution in Flanders. With its own symphony orchestra, choir, and full-time artistic teams, Opera Vlaanderen produces high-calibre performances that span the entire operatic repertoire—from baroque masterpieces to bold contemporary creations. But beyond its artistic excellence, the building itself is a showstopper. Built between 1904 and 1907 in a neo-Baroque style by architects Alexis Van Mechelen and Emiel Van Averbeke, it was inaugurated in grand style in October 1907. Step inside, and you'll find a Louis XVI-style auditorium adorned with pink marble, gold leaf, and a domed ceiling featuring an allegorical fresco of Rhythm and the nine muses. Now a protected monument, the building underwent major renovations in the 2000s before reopening in 2007. To this day, it continues to draw opera lovers eager for an unforgettable experience in a venue that blends historical splendour with modern flair.