This is a unique opportunity to make a guided visit to the beautiful neo-baroque Flemish Opera House in Antwerp. The opera house was built in 1904-1907 as the Flemish version and counterweight to the French Théâtre Royale in Antwerp.
The opera house was very modern for its time. Coloured electric light was used to illuminate the stage and the building had central heating. It was also very progressive, with its use of a single, large foyer that was used by all visitors, rich or not. It has a beautiful interior and the foyer has large columns in pink marble. Originally the auditorium could seat 1500 spectators, but this was later reduced to 1081. It is adorned with beautiful stucco and a ceiling painting by an Antwerp artist. In 2004 the opera house was in a deplorable state and its existence was threatened, but a 3-year renovation brought it back to its former splendour.

Meet: at the main entrance of the Opera House, Frankrijklei 3, Antwerp.
Time: 12.45 hrs (the tour will start at 13.00 hrs)

Cost for the guide: €8 for members, €10 for guests. No extra entrance fee.
To register: contact Jeannine Branckaert (jeannine.branckaert@telenet.be, 03 295 4750 or 0475 867372). Then transfer the appropriate amount into the ABIW account (see p.1), marking your transfer “Opera visit for your name”.