🇧🇪 Antwerp

Vlaamse Opera

Must-See ★ 4.5 · 1k reviews

Photo: Image by Torsade de Pointes, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The first public opera performances in Antwerp date back to 1661. Performances took place on the stage of the Schouwburgh van de Oude Voetboog (Theatre of the Guild of Crossbowmen) at the Grote Markt. The theatre gradually lost its popular Flemish character as French artists were engaged and the performances were no longer performed in the local (Dutch) language, but in French, the adopted language of the Flemish elite.

Visitor Info

Rating ★ 4.5 1,400 reviews

Visit Time ~120 min

Best Time Evening performances

Insider Tips

· Check the program before you go because the building is best experienced during a show
· Arrive early to admire the foyer and exterior details

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Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the opera tradition in Antwerp? ▾

Public opera performances in Antwerp date to 1661, making it one of the longest-running opera traditions in the Low Countries.

When was the current opera house building completed? ▾

The current neo-Rococo building on Frankrijklei was inaugurated in 1907, designed by architect Alexis Van Mechelen.

Can I visit the interior without attending a show? ▾

Guided tours of the backstage and auditorium are available on select dates — check the Opera Ballet Vlaanderen website for the schedule.

What kinds of performances are staged here? ▾

The venue hosts full-scale opera productions, ballet, and contemporary music performances, often featuring international soloists alongside the resident orchestra and chorus.