Built in 1927, De Roma started life as a cinema, then broadened out to include live shows and community activities. With 2000 seats, it was Antwerp’s largest movie theater. And many big names, including Cliff Richard and Paul McCartney, performed there. It ultimately fell into disuse and stood empty for 20 years. Brought back to life by a group of volunteers, the cinema/theater/social center is once again an important part of Antwerp’s cultural scene. This year, De Roma is celebrating the 15^th anniversary of its reopening and may officially call itself the Most Beautiful Building in Antwerp.

Our guide will tell us many interesting stories about De Roma then and now. We will see what goes into staging a musical production and a theater piece. Artifacts and equipment from bygone times are on display in the old film projection booth.

Where: Turnhoutsebaan 286, 2140 Borgerhout

Getting there: The easiest way to get to De Roma is by public transport.  Tram 24 from Central Station (heading out of the city); get off at stop called ‘De Roma’. From ‘Astrid’ (underground, outside of Central Station): Take Tram 8 or 10 from the underground platform on the Astridplein side, not on the hotel side. Get off at ‘Zegel’, the first stop after Astrid. From tram stops De Roma and Zegel walk back toward the city along Turnhoutsebaan to arrive at De Roma in just a couple of minutes.

Time: Tour starts at 10:00 AM. Please plan to arrive by 9:45 so we can start on time. We will finish by 12 noon.

Cost: Members €10; guests €15.

To register: Please sign up with Kathryn Passmore or Sue Van Looy, by Friday October 26^th, providing the participants’ names. Friends and partners are welcome.

Payment: Transfer the appropriate amount to the ABIW account, mentioning your name(s) and “De Roma”. The deadline for both registration and payment is Friday October 26^th. Receipt of payment confirms your bookings.

Notes:   Group size: minimum 10; max 25.

This tour includes a good bit of stair climbing.