Leidse Schouwburg

Leidse Schouwburg is a theater in Leiden that features a classical bonbonniere-shaped hall with ornate architectural details and red velvet seating throughout the interior. The main auditorium holds 541 seats and maintains the decorative style that defines its character.

This theater was built in 1705 at the request of actor Jacob van Rijndorp on the site of a brewery that had burned down along Oude Vest. Its founding marked an important moment in the development of the city's cultural institutions.

The theater plays a central role in the city's cultural life by hosting a wide range of performances from classical music to cabaret and contemporary dance. Visitors experience firsthand the diverse artistic activity that keeps the space lively and engaging.

The building is wheelchair accessible and offers free cloakroom services as well as sound amplification equipment for visitors who need assistance. These facilities ensure that everyone can enjoy a performance comfortably.

This is the oldest operating theater in the Netherlands and was restored to match its 1865 configuration to preserve its original interior design. The restoration reveals how the space looked and functioned during that historical period.

Location: Leiden

Official opening: 1705

Address: Oude Vest 43, 2312 XS Leiden

Website: https://leidseschouwburg-stadsgehoorzaal.nl

GPS coordinates: 52.16222,4.48917

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04