De Roma is a beautiful venue and a house with a history. De Roma is also a well known name. It stands for quality music, skillfully selected films and diverse social programming. A large and unique group of volunteers, professionally surrounded by a team of permanent staff, keeps De Roma running. . No volunteers, no Roma. That is the beginning and the end of everything.
De Roma, a temple of music
The name De Roma rings like a bell in the music world. The grand venue with art deco charm is still standing in the 21st century and it can handle a large variety of concerts. From bands with young, local talent to international superstars, from pop and rock over jazz to classical: in every genre, the best artists take the stage in Borgerhout.
De Roma, an open house
De Roma is located on Turnhoutsebaan, the lifeline of the Borgerhout district and a crossroads where all the challenges of metropolitan life converge. Under the title Spreken is Goud (Speaking is Gold), we organize a range of activities around various topics where we meet and discuss and debate with each other. Because everyone is welcome at De Roma.
De Roma, a monument
In 1928, horse-drawn carts were still bulging over the Turnhoutsebaan in Borgerhout when the imposing cinema was built. Kinema Roma was a vibrant cultural center for almost six decades. Not only as a cinema, but also as a venue for Borgerhout associations and as a stage for variety shows and pop and rock stars. In the early 80s, however, the doors shut irrevocably and 20 years of vacancy followed. Until 2003 when Paul Schyvens, passionate theatre maker, started renovating the building with an impressive team of volunteers and in just a few months De Roma rose from its ashes.
“The volunteers gradually became a real family. What we accomplished together bordered on the incredible.”
De Roma, feels like home
No volunteers, no Roma! Since its reopening in 2003, their numbers have grown steadily to a team of more than 600. On busy nights, up to 50 volunteers ensure a smooth running and warm welcome. Their efforts are also invaluable behind the scenes: volunteers come to clean in the morning and cook in the afternoon, roll posters in the office and backstage they welcome artists. Many volunteers have already been committed for many years and see De Roma as their second home.
De Roma, an organization
Is everything here run by volunteers? Visitors often ask that question, but De Roma is a non-profit organization that employs about thirty permanent staff members. They support the s volunteers and are also professionals in administration and production, communications and ticketing, technology and catering.
> Who does what for De Roma? Click here
De Roma generates 85% of its income independently; only a small portion comes from subsidies. Would you like to support De Roma’s unique mission? You can make a one-time or recurring donation via the King Baudouin Foundation.
The "Vrienden van De Roma" Fund was established on the initiative of our philanthropic Friends and is managed by the King Baudouin Foundation.
Belgian donations of €40 or more per year to the Foundation are eligible for a 45% tax deduction on the actual amount donated (Art. 145/33 of the Income Tax Code).
You can also include De Roma in your will, helping to ensure a future where culture connects, inspires, and remains accessible to everyone.
> Make a donation via this link
> Include De Roma in your will
De Roma, a warm home for all
De Roma is a popular theatre with a warm heart. We want to be a place in the city where everyone feels welcome and safe. That is why we subscribe to values and standards that make up the DNA of De Roma. We expect the same from our visitors.
De Roma actively opposes all forms of discrimination and is fully committed to equal opportunities for all.
Would you like to support De Roma?
Your support makes a big difference for De Roma! Through the "Vrienden van De Roma" Fund, you can make a one-time or recurring donation. You can also include De Roma in your will, helping to ensure a future where culture connects, inspires, and remains accessible to everyone.