The Bourla Theatre is a 19th century neo-classicist theatre building. It´s named after its architect Pierre Bruno Bourla. The stunning old-fashioned theatre with sweeping balconies has a capacity of about 900 people. 'De Foyer', a bar and restaurant on the first floor of the Bourla Theatre, is a great place for a drink or meal in a fabulous location. It gives you the chance to experience the atmosphere and splendor of this magnificent building without having to attend a performance.

Bourla Theatre - Komedieplaats - Antwerpen visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Bourla Theatre - Komedieplaats' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Antwerpen.

The Bourla Theatre is not the largest theatre in Antwerp, but is the most cherished, with great historical significance and beautiful architecture. Pierre Bruno Bourla, the architect, studied in and came to Antwerp in 1819 as the principle architect. The main theatre at the time was Tapissiers House, but this could not compete with other large European theatres, so the Bourla Theatre was conceived and replaced the former. Use of the Bourla Theater declined from the 1950's and it was abandoned in 1980. Surviving proposed demolition, a refurbishment programme saw the theatre re-open in 1993, keeping intact rare, wooden, stage moving machinery dating from 1834. Today it is home to the 'Toneelhuis' theatre company and contains the popular Foyer restaurant.

Pierre Bruno Bourla was also responsible for designing Antwerp Academy, the entrance to Antwerp's Botanical Gardens, oversaw restoration of the Cathedral of Our Lady, and renovated the town hall on Grote Markt.

Bourla Theatre
Komedieplaats 18
Antwerp,
2000

Tram: 2, 3, 7, 8, 15
Bus: 9