A behind-the-scenes look at a living monument
Over the past 20 years, we have invested very heavily in our majestic hall. These efforts and achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, we won the first Flemish Onroerenderfgoedprijs. The laudatory comments from the jury and Minister-President Geert Bourgeois were music to our ears. Moreover, we won the Public Prize, an appreciation from our many visitors and sympathizers that still resonates. And in 2017, De Roma was elected "Most Beautiful building" in Antwerp.
We pay great attention to the rich history of our cinema and variety hall. All kinds of artifacts and machines, for example, are carefully preserved and exhibited in the old film projection booth that is set up as a mini museum. It is accessible during open days (such as the Cinema Roma Film and Vinyl Fair) and guided tours.
De Roma was no longer the ruin it had been but there was still a lot to do. Still, even then you could feel the magic of this venue!
For groups of 10 to maximum 40 people
Our volunteer guides enthusiastically tell the story from 1928 to the present. The building and its owners, the films and performances, the downfall and reconstruction: it's all covered. They also dwell on the current program and volunteer operation. A tour that takes you behind the scenes (stage, backstage, balcony, kitchen, projection booth, ...).
Are you especially interested in the magic of the seventh art? Find out what it was like in Roma around 1950. How hard work was done in the projection booth at the back in the ridge of the hall to make you enjoy the film. Listen to the fascinating story about the cinematographer's day job and be amazed by the machinery behind the film! This combined tour that takes you both to the projection bunker high above, and behind the scenes, is only possible for smaller groups of 5 to maximum 15 people.
Practical info
- A guided tour can be requested from Rob Gielen (using the form below or by calling 03 600 16 51).
- One or two guides (depending on the size of the group) will take you behind the scenes of our hall.
- Please keep in mind that some stairs (to basement, balcony, attic) will have to be done. After all, the fun hidden places are not on the first floor. The balcony, however, is accessible via an elevator.
- For the tour we foresee 1,5 to 2 hours. For this we do not ask a fixed fee, but as a guide price we use 10 euros per person, in the form of a free gift (to be paid on the spot in cash or by bank card, or in advance by bank transfer). If necessary, payment can also be arranged via invoice.
- De Roma is easily accessible by public transportation. Several streetcars and buses stop right in front of the door at the overground stop 'De Roma' or at metro station 'Zegel', less than a minute's walk from the venue. More info on how to get to De Roma can be found here.
