Doesn’t Royal Theater Carré stand as a testament to Amsterdam’s rich cultural history? Founded in 1887 the Royal Theater Carré was envisioned as a permanent circus building. Imagine acrobats and animals thrilling audiences in this very spot.
The Carré family is closely connected to this theater. They first performed in the Netherlands in 1863. Oscar Carré a German circus director received permission to construct a stone theater. This replaced the Rooseboom windmill near the Amstel’s city locks. The grand opening occurred on December 3 1887. Initially the structure had a stone facade but was mostly wood. It became an instant hit.
For years Royal Theater Carré operated as a winter circus. During the off-season the Carré family traveled leaving the theater empty. Then in 1893 Dutch theater producer Frits van Haarlem rented the space. He introduced vaudeville shows during the summer. This led to year-round performances. The Royal Theater Carré transitioned from a circus to a variété theatre. It became Amsterdam’s version of a music hall.
After Oscar Carré’s death in 1911 the theater faced difficulties. Several directors tried new approaches but none succeeded. A business venture focused on circus entertainment failed. In 1920 the venue was renamed Theater Carré. Finally in 1924 two men named Benjamin and Content managed to make the theater profitable again. Alex Wunnink followed bringing new shows and financial success. The Royal Theater Carré hosted vaudeville revue shows Italian operas and operettas. Dutch stars such as Lou Bandy and Louis Davids graced its stage. International stars Josephine Baker and Grock also performed here.
During World War II the Royal Theater Carré offered a distraction. However police raids in 1944 caused people to stay away. The theater closed from 1944 to 1945. After the war revues and winter circuses returned. In 1956 the Royal Theater Carré introduced musical theater to the Netherlands. “Porgy and Bess” was the first. In 1963 Toon Hermans performed his first solo cabaret show.
Karel Wunnik took over after his father’s death. The Royal Theater Carré struggled. In 1968 it was slated for demolition to make way for a hotel. Artists protested. The municipality intervened protecting the theater. It gained monumental status in 1970. Guus Osters became director in 1974. New successful shows helped revive the theater’s popularity.
The municipality bought the building in 1977. In 1987 during its centennial the theater received the Royal Predicate. Its name changed to Koninklijk Theater Carré. A complete renovation occurred in 2004. The historic facade and interior were preserved.
Today Royal Theater Carré hosts various performances. These include musicals dance cabaret opera pop concerts and theater shows. Both national and international artists perform here. In the lobby statues honor famous Dutch artists. Toon Hermans Jos Brink and André van Duin are among them. When famous performers die their bodies are displayed in the theater for public respect. Oscar’s restaurant on the top floor pays tribute to the founder. Recently the auditorium lighting was upgraded with Anolis Ambiane XP56 LED fixtures enhancing the visual elegance.
Royal Theater Carré stands as a vibrant symbol of Amsterdam’s cultural scene. Its rich history and commitment to the arts continue to inspire.