Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg (Royal Dutch Theater), Ghent
The Royal Dutch Theater (Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg) is a historic architectural gem located on the north side of Sint-Baafsplein Square in Ghent, nestled between Saint Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry Tower. This remarkable building, designed by architect Edmond De Vigne, showcases an eclectic style with a strong emphasis on neo-Renaissance elements.
Though the fa莽ade of the theater bears the inscription 鈥淎NNO 1897,鈥� the building was officially inaugurated in 1899. Its fa莽ade is composed of three stories with five bays, with the central three bays prominently accentuated. On the second and third stories, four statues of men dressed in 17th-century attire, crafted by sculptor Louis Mast, represent the four chambers of rhetoric in Ghent: De Fontaine, Sint-Barbara, Sint-Agnete, and Maria ter Ere.
A monumental gable crowns the central part of the fa莽ade, featuring a stunning mosaic within a round-arched tympanum, created by Constant Montald. This mosaic, measuring nine meters wide and four meters high, consists of 70,000 ceramic stones in 500 different colors and depicts a mythological scene of the god Apollo in his sun chariot, accompanied by nine muses, each identifiable by their distinct attributes.
At the top of the building stands a bronze statue of Lady Harmonia, the Genius of Music, holding a lyre. This statue, designed by Ghent sculptor Aloys Buyens, majestically overlooks the square, adding a final touch of elegance to the structure.
The Royal Dutch Theater has been a protected monument since 1986. It underwent a comprehensive renovation from 1987 to 1993, during which it was updated to meet modern theater technology standards and fire safety requirements. Although visitors can only enter the theater during performances, the foyer on the first floor is open to all. Tickets can be purchased in the entrance hall on the ground floor, and those attending performances are encouraged to visit the terrace, which offers lovely views of Sint-Baafsplein.
Though the fa莽ade of the theater bears the inscription 鈥淎NNO 1897,鈥� the building was officially inaugurated in 1899. Its fa莽ade is composed of three stories with five bays, with the central three bays prominently accentuated. On the second and third stories, four statues of men dressed in 17th-century attire, crafted by sculptor Louis Mast, represent the four chambers of rhetoric in Ghent: De Fontaine, Sint-Barbara, Sint-Agnete, and Maria ter Ere.
A monumental gable crowns the central part of the fa莽ade, featuring a stunning mosaic within a round-arched tympanum, created by Constant Montald. This mosaic, measuring nine meters wide and four meters high, consists of 70,000 ceramic stones in 500 different colors and depicts a mythological scene of the god Apollo in his sun chariot, accompanied by nine muses, each identifiable by their distinct attributes.
At the top of the building stands a bronze statue of Lady Harmonia, the Genius of Music, holding a lyre. This statue, designed by Ghent sculptor Aloys Buyens, majestically overlooks the square, adding a final touch of elegance to the structure.
The Royal Dutch Theater has been a protected monument since 1986. It underwent a comprehensive renovation from 1987 to 1993, during which it was updated to meet modern theater technology standards and fire safety requirements. Although visitors can only enter the theater during performances, the foyer on the first floor is open to all. Tickets can be purchased in the entrance hall on the ground floor, and those attending performances are encouraged to visit the terrace, which offers lovely views of Sint-Baafsplein.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ghent. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg (Royal Dutch Theater) on Map
Sight Name: Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg (Royal Dutch Theater)
Sight Location: Ghent, Belgium (See walking tours in Ghent)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ghent, Belgium (See walking tours in Ghent)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ghent, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Ghent
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ghent is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ghent Introduction Walking Tour
Some historians believe "Ghent" comes from the Celtic word, "ganda." "Ganda" meant a confluence, as with two rivers. There are traces of human settlements as far back as the stone age at the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Leie in Belgium.
With the Frankish invasions at the end of the 4th century AD, the Celtic language was replaced by Old Dutch and this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
With the Frankish invasions at the end of the 4th century AD, the Celtic language was replaced by Old Dutch and this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Ghent's Historical Buildings
The medieval city of Ghent is full of wonderful old buildings, some dating back as far as the 12th-13th centuries. Medieval buildings are indeed everywhere here, and if you're interested in the heritage fit to capture you imagination, you will find plenty of it in Ghent鈥檚 historic downtown.
And you won鈥檛 have to look far for the World Heritage worthy of its name either. The Castle of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
And you won鈥檛 have to look far for the World Heritage worthy of its name either. The Castle of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles