©Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme
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.
Winter Circus 2.0
After five years of intensive renovations, the building has reopened its doors in 2024. The central arena has become a publicly accessible covered plaza which people are able to cross to walk from one entrance to the other.
Innovating start-ups and scale-ups 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 houses a concert hall seating 500 spectators.
Famished or parched? Be tempted by the aroma of fresh bread at Bakker Klaas, sublime sushi at Sakas by Chef Yoshi or invigorating drinks at Bar Bougie or at Rooftop bar Bassie.
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