Theaterplein is a square in the Belgian city of Antwerp. The square is bordered by Maria Pijpelincxstraat, Oudevaartplaats, Nieuwstad and Meistraat. The Stadsschouwburg Antwerp is located on the north side of the square.
There used to be two streets between Oudevaartplaats and Meistraat that have now disappeared: Kanonstraat and Bonte Mantelstraat. Theaterplein was created in the 1970s by the demolition of the housing blocks located there, which had been badly damaged at the end of the Second World War. On October 28, 1944, shortly after the liberation of Antwerp, the Bonte Mantelstraat was hit by the impact of a V2 rocket. 71 people were killed and 81 injured, and the entire neighborhood was left in ruins.
In the 1970s, the city theater arose on the open space between Hopland, Maria Pijpelincxstraat, Meistraat and Kanonstraat, which was known as the Oud Arsenaalplein. Previously on the square stood the Arsenal de Construction and the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites (discals). To the south of the theater the Theater Square was constructed. Theaterplein was further enlarged in 1980 by the demolition of a power station on Nieuwstad.
In 2008 the square was renovated. The surface was raised and a large, transparent canopy structure was built. In addition, contemporary gardens were placed on the side of the Nieuwstad. The square now slowly rises to the municipal theater and HETPALEIS.
Every Saturday an exotic market is held on the Theaterplein and on Sundays there is a part of the Vogelenmarkt.
(Source Wikipedia)