©Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme
Opening in 2024
In the 19th century, there was a trend in cities to construct buildings destined for relaxation, including circuses. This was also the case for Ghent, where the “New Circus” was built in 1885 on the basis of the plans by architect Emile De Weerdt. Several circus companies gave performances in the building, also during winter.
In the 19th century, there was a trend in cities to construct buildings destined for relaxation, including circuses. This was also the case for Ghent, where the “New Circus” was built in 1885 on the basis of the plans by architect Emile De Weerdt. Several circus companies gave performances in the building, also during winter.
In 1920, the building was almost entirely destroyed by fire and was reconstructed three years later. After World War II, Ghislain Mahy used it as a car workshop. The building was entirely transformed and the circus interior was lost. The workshop continued its activities until 1978, after which the Winter Circus was used as a depot for vintage cars.
In 2005 sogent purchased the building to renovate and repurpose it and to integrate it into the new De Krook city district. The renovation was designed by Ghent architecture firm BARO and SUMproject. The project was awarded the Ghent Monument Prize in 2022 by the public as well as the professional jury.
The future
After five years of intensive renovations, the building will reopen its doors in 2024. The central arena will become a publicly accessible covered plaza which people will be able to cross to walk from one entrance to the other.
Innovating start-ups and scale-ups will breathe new life into the former workshops and share their knowledge in the meeting rooms or the auditorium during lectures and presentations. The underground level will house a concert hall seating 500 spectators.
The information continues beneath the illustrations.
