Flanders Opera, Antwerp

Designed by Alexis van Mechelen

Since 1834, French and Italian operas were performed in the Bourla-theatre (Théâtre Royal). As reaction, some Flemish dignitaries of the city had the idea to found an opera company which would play only Flemish and German operas.
Finally in 1899, the building of the new opera house started. It was designed by Alexis van Mechelen. In October 1907 the new opera was inaugurated with Jan Blockx' (1851-1912) opera De Herbergprinses (La Princesse d'Auberge).
The opera is designed in the typical style of the late 19th Century with half-open balconies. It's striking that the lower (expensive) seats aren't visible from the upper balcony, and vice-versa. This was done to separate the poorer public from the rest of the public. This is also visible in the separate entrances and staircases.

Address:

   Flanders Opera

   8, Van Ertbornstraat

   2018 Antwerp, Belgium

   Tel: +32 3  233 68 08

   Fax: +32 3  232 26 61

Ticket office:

3, Frankrijklei.  Tue-Sat: 11AM - 5.45PM

Tel: +32 3 233 66 85

Ticket prices:

Category 1  2100  2700
Category 2  1600  2200
Category 3  1000  1400
Category 4   500   800
Category 5   250   400

Capacity

1090 seats