Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mechelen will acquire the Theatrium in 2025, seating 1,200, near St. Rumbold’s Tower, with Alderman Kristof Calvo overseeing plans to renovate and host concerts, comedy, and cultural events.
As VRT News reported, the city of Mechelen has acquired the historic Theatrium, a prominent venue in the city centre, known for its long-standing history and significant performances by a variety of artists, located at the base of St. Rumbold’s Tower.
The Theatrium can accommodate approximately 1,200 visitors in a mixed seating of 800 in a completely seated format. The Alderman for Culture, Kristof Calvo (Voor Mechelen), described the acquisition as an important step for the city. He said the hall is a central part of Mechelen’s cultural identity and will add to the city’s performance spaces.
What are Mechelen’s plans for the historic Theatrium hall?
The Theatrium is near other cultural venues, including the Cultural Centre, the Academy, the Conservatory, the nona arts centre, Kunstuur, and Kunsthal. The city plans to create a cultural hub in the centre using both historic and modern spaces.
“As beautiful as the Antwerp Roma, as Mechelen-like as the St. Rumbold’s Tower.”
Kristof Calvo, Alderman for Culture (For Mechelen)
The city of Mechelen will complete the purchase of the Theatrium next year. After the acquisition is completed, the officials will plan when renovations can commence and develop a plan for how the hall will be utilised in the years to come. Alderman for Culture Kristof Calvo (Voor Mechelen) noted that the idea is to reactivate the hall and organise cultural events for the citizens of Mechelen.
“Our father’s life’s work lives on.”
Peter Roskams, son of the former owner, Julien
“Continuing it ourselves wasn’t an option for the children,
says son Peter Roskams.
When it became known that we wanted to sell the hall, we were contacted by project developers to build apartments there. We didn’t want that. So we approached the city, and that’s how we’ve now reached a good agreement. We feel good about it. We can walk around here with peace of mind and our heads held high, even towards our dad. His life’s work will live on.”
The Theatrium in Mechelen has been an important cultural venue for decades. Julien Roskams managed the hall for nearly 30 years, bringing in famous acts such as U2, Dire Straits, and Doe Maar. The hall was previously owned by the ACW.
Former manager Julien Roskams, who passed away in the summer of 2024, led the venue for about 30 years. The hall was previously owned by the ACW and has hosted internationally known artists, including U2, Dire Straits, and Doe Maar. In recent years, the stage mainly featured comedians and dance shows. For the past year, the hall has been inactive while the family that inherited it considered its future.
