Behind the scenes of the KVS

Event in collaboration with ie-net Brabant

In the fifties of the 19th century, Dutch-language theater circles were active in Brussels. To rehearse and to stage performances, these associations roamed between rented existing halls because they did not yet have their own theater at their disposal. From 1860 on, an idea has been circulating that an old armory on Lakensestraat would be a perfect place for a theater hall. But, as is often the case in Belgian politics, this project drags on because of all kinds of objections, unforeseen funds and property rights.

This lasts until 1883 when mayor Charles Buls orders architect Jean Baes to convert this old weapons warehouse into a theater hall. The theater was built in the Flemish Neo-Renaissance style, in which the former front and rear facades are swapped. Stepped side walls with outside balconies are also immediately provided for evacuation in case of fire.

More than a century later, the building is due for a thorough renovation because it no longer met the current needs of a theater. KVS has then moved temporarily to allow renovation work and new construction on the Arduinkaai. Architect Verliefden conceived the new room – De Bol – as a building within the building. The old building has undergone a complete metamorphosis in which a stack of concrete cylinders has been placed in the former space of the arsenal and passerelles have been incorporated around the old outer walls with the old outdoor balconies.  Today, the KVS has 3 play areas: the Bol as a restored hall of the theater on Lakensestraat, the Top as a multi-purpose space just under the glass roof and the Box with a removable grandstand, housed in the completely new building on the Arduinkaai.

If you would like to join us on a journey of discovery behind the scenes, visit KVS on Friday afternoon 22/10/2021. We meet at the theater at 4 pm and plan that the visit will take about 2 hours. In the neighborhood there are nice places where you can eat something afterwards.