A guided visit of the Royal theater of Toone
14 September at 18:30
66 rue du Marché aux Herbes, 1000 Bruxelles.
Join us for a unique chance to discover the Royal theater of Toone, behind the stage, on Saturday 14 September at 18:30.
This guided visit is in English and lasts for about 1H15-1H30. It is followed by a cash bar drink at the museum, for those who wish to stay. You'll hear about the theatre's history, how puppermasters work wit puppets today and will even get a chance to use a puppet (and discover how heavy it is!).
At the heart of Brussels, hidden just a few steps from Grand Place, the Royal Toone Theatre, is the last puppet theatre for adults in Brussels. In April 2024, it was awarded the prize of European Heritage sites by the European Commision, for the emblematic role it plays in the European history and culture.
The Belgian capital once boasted more than 50 puppet theatres, particularly popular amongst those who couldn't afford the theatre or opera. Toone is the only one left and represents a cultural tradition that dates from the 16th century, when Philip II of Spain, afraid of political unrest, closed all the theatres. The puppet shows were a way around the ban. Toone, was created in 1830 and named after the founding puppeteer Antoine Gentil. Each succeeding puppetmaster is named Toone, and the puppets are still hand-made today!
Event details:
Date: Saturday 14 September 2024.
Time: 18:30 (guided visit 1h15-1H30 followed by a cash bar drink at the museum)
Where: Théâtre Royal de Toone, 66 rue du Marché aux Herbes, 1000 Bruxelles.
Price for the entry and guided visit:
- 20,00 euros - Members
- 25,00 euros - Partners
- 30,00 euros - Non-Members
PLEASE REGISTER HERE
Places are limited. Minimum 10 guests. Participants cancelling after 10 September, as well as no-shows, are charged the full cost of the event.
