[fr] 
[es]Diamond's opera
| Type | Aerial view | Country | Date | Status | Rating |
 Public building | Here ! |  Belgium | 2006-07-23 | Active | *** |
Outside view - Click to enlarge!
Just An Infiltration
Welcome to the city of diamonds, Antwerpen. We were driving, one day, and stumbled upon this nice building, the flamish opera.
We found our way in, took some pics, and left. Not much more to say. Enjoy the trip!
Inside
Still, A Bit Of History
The building of the Antwerp opera house was commissioned in 1899 by the then burgomaster of Antwerp, Jan Van Rijswijck, on the instigation of the composer Peter Benoit and under pressure from a steadily growing group of Flemish nationalists, who wanted a music theatre of their own that would be a match for the French Opera in what is now the Bourla theatre.
The architects were Alexis Van Mechelen and E. Van Averbeke.
The opera house was built between 1904 and 1907.
When the building was inaugurated in 1907, the entrance hall was not yet finished (the marble on the columns and the walls was still missing, and the ceilings of the foyer and the large hall were still without their obligatory painting), but even in that state, the Neo-Baroque building with its sumptuous decoration in Louis XVI style was an instant success with the public, keen as it was for a grand Flemish playhouse.
(*copied pasted from http://www.vlaamseopera.be)
The flamish theatre was being renovated in 2006, and has now found a new youth.
What an incredible building! Sad to see the ones demolished. I love the stories and background behind them that you add to each. I am amazed at the places you have explored. I can not stop looking at all of your great photographs. Not many jewels like these in the states. I recently have found photography as a great medium to explore. You have inspired me to get out with my camera. Keep up the great work.
Hallo, prachtige foto's en prachtige locaties. Kan je me een tip geven hoe je in het opera gebouw in antwerpen binnen geraakt bent? Bedankt voor uw antwoord mvg
wonderful !