De Warande
De Warande is a publicly subsidized Flemish cultural center in Turnhout, Belgium, operating a multi-venue performing arts complex (Schouwburg, KUUB, Houten Zaal) that programs theater, dance, circus, music, exhibitions, and festivals for the general public, schools, youth, and artists, funded primarily by Provincie Antwerpen.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersTurnhout, Belgium
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What De Warande does
De Warande (legal entity APB Cultuurhuis de Warande) is a publicly subsidized cultural center (cultuurhuis) headquartered at Warandestraat 42, 2300 Turnhout, Belgium, operating since the opening of its Schouwburg theater in 1977 (renovated 2017–2018 with modern theater technology). It runs a multi-venue performing arts complex comprising the Schouwburg main theater, the KUUB multipurpose hall (780 standing / 240 seated via retractable tribunes), the Houten Zaal rehearsal and small-performance space (~60–100 capacity), and the Expozaal exhibition space. The institution is governed as an Autonoom Provinciebedrijf (APB) under Provincie Antwerpen and receives core operating subsidies from the provincial government.
The center's programming spans circus, theater, dance, music, comedy, film, family events, exhibitions, and word-based performances, organized around an annual season (e.g., Seizoen 2026-2027), signature festivals (Plein de Cirque circus festival, UIT HET DONKER winter light-art walk, Zomer van de Warande summer program), and dedicated offerings for schools, youth (Young Board and open atelier), and visitors with disabilities. Distribution runs through an online ticketing platform (tickets.warande.be powered by Tixly, multilingual in Dutch/English/French/German), a physical box office, the Warandeshop retail outlet, and venue rental (Zaalhuur) to external productions.
Revenue is generated through four streams: ticket sales (transaction-based, with youth and UiTpas kansentarief discounts), merchandise and publications via Warandeshop, venue rental, and core operating subsidies from Provincie Antwerpen. Pricing varies widely by event (€2.80–€42 standard tickets; workshops free or priced; festival camps €75). Marketing channels include the website, newsletter, social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram), seasonal brochures, and a growing press function. Bart Govaert serves as Director.
De Warande firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- De Warande
- Legal name
- APB Cultuurhuis de Warande
- Website
- https://warande.be
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- De Warande is a publicly subsidized Flemish cultural center in Turnhout, Belgium, operating a multi-venue performing arts complex (Schouwburg, KUUB, Houten Zaal) that programs theater, dance, circus, music, exhibitions, and festivals for the general public, schools, youth, and artists, funded primarily by Provincie Antwerpen.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
De Warande industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performing Arts Venue / Cultural Center Services
- NAICS
- Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA)
Keywords
Where De Warande is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Turnhout
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
De Warande business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Ticket Sales: Revenue from sale of tickets to performances, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals across Schouwburg, KUUB, Expozaal, and outdoor locations.
- Merchandise and Publications: Warandeshop sells art books, editions, vinyl records, gadgets, and children's items. Products include artist publications, architecture books, and branded merchandise like totebags, keychains, and supporters' scarves.
- Venue Rental (Zaalhuur): Rental of performance spaces including Schouwburg, KUUB, Houten Zaal, and outdoor areas to external organizers and productions.
- Government Subsidies: Core operating funding from Provincie Antwerpen as a publicly subsidized cultural institution.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Standard theater performance tickets |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Workshop participation fees |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Merchandise and retail items |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Concert and special event tickets |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Festival and multi-day events |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Youth programs and workshops |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
De Warande product offering
Product offeringCore offering
De Warande operates a multi-venue cultural center in Turnhout, Belgium, hosting a year-round program of theater, dance, circus, music, comedy, family shows, exhibitions, and festivals across the Schouwburg (main theater), KUUB (multipurpose hall), Houten Zaal, and Expozaal. Its offering is complemented by signature festivals (Plein de Cirque, UIT HET DONKER, Zomer van de Warande), the Warandeshop (art books, vinyl, branded merchandise), Café Barzoen, and venue rental (Zaalhuur) for external productions, plus dedicated school and youth programming.
Product overview
De Warande is a cultural center (cultuurhuis) in Turnhout, Belgium, operated by APB Cultuurhuis de Warande (Provincial Institute for Culture). Its offering consists of a multi-venue performing arts complex — the Schouwburg (main theater, 1977, renovated 2017-18), KUUB (multipurpose hall, up to 780 standing/240 seated), and Houten Zaal (rehearsal/small performance space) — complemented by a year-round program of theater, dance, circus, music, exhibitions, family events, and word-based performances. The venue also operates the Warandeshop (art books, editions, merchandise), Café Barzoen, and offers dedicated programs for schools, youth (Young Board, open atelier), and venue rentals. Signature festivals include Plein de Cirque (circus), UIT HET DONKER (outdoor light art), and the Zomer van de Warande (summer). Supporting services include technical documentation for visiting artists, accessibility features, and volunteer programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Schouwburg (Theater Hall) Main theater hall of De Warande, opened 1977, renovated 2017-2018 with modern theater technology. Round shape inspired by ancient amphitheaters; hosts mainstage theater, dance, music, and family performances. Available for visiting productions via Zaalhuur.
- KUUB (Multipurpose Hall) Multipurpose theater hall without a fixed stage, accommodating 780 standing or 240 seated guests via retractable tribunes. Used for standing concerts, intimate dance, and flat floor theater; available for venue rental.
- Houten Zaal (Wooden Hall) Rehearsal space for dance and theater groups on the second floor, also used for smaller performances for an audience of approximately 60-100 people. Available for venue rental.
- Zaalhuur (Venue Rental) Rental service for De Warande's venues (Schouwburg, KUUB, Houten Zaal, and outdoor spaces) for external events, performances, productions, and organizers.
- Warandeshop Online and onsite shop selling art books, artist editions, vinyl records, architecture books, merchandise such as tote bags and scarves, and items for children.
- Café Barzoen On-site café and bar operated by local entrepreneurs, reopening under new management in September as an open meeting place serving coffee, lunch, and aperitifs to venue visitors and the neighborhood.
- Plein de Cirque (Circus Festival) Annual circus festival held in September (12-13 September for upcoming edition), featuring top circus acts from Belgium and abroad with Luuk Brantjes as central guest alongside international and local circus companies.
- UIT HET DONKER (Winter Light & Sound Art Event) Winter light and sound art event held in the forests of De Hoge Rielen (Kasterlee), featuring illuminated installations from international artists, combining light, sound, movement, dance, and nature in a winter walking route.
- Cultuuraanbod voor Scholen (School Programming) Cultural programming and educational offerings designed specifically for primary and secondary schools, providing arts and culture experiences, performances, workshops, and guided tours for students.
- Voor Jongeren (Youth Programming) Youth programming including the Young Board advisory group (16-26 year olds), workshops, and a new open atelier space for young creators to develop artistic projects.
- Shopper (Recycled Tote Bags) Reusable tote bags priced at €20, made by 't Huizeken from recycled Warande event banners and crafted by people with disabilities alongside volunteers.
Companies that use De Warande
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
De Warande technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
De Warande partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- 't Huizeken / Mekandersminor't Huizeken is the day activity project of Mekanders that recycles De Warande's used banners and event spandoeks into reusable tote bags. A new workshop was established where people with disabilities work alongside volunteers to create these products.
- Provincie AntwerpencoreProvincie Antwerpen is the primary subsidizing government authority for De Warande. The institution supports the gendergelijkheidsplan (gender equality plan) of Provincie Antwerpen and falls under its administrative oversight including whistleblower procedures.
- Café BarzoenminorOn-site café operated by Barzoen, providing refreshments for venue visitors. Barzoen.cafe maintains its own separate branding and operations.
- MZ Atelier (Martin Zimmermann)minorCoproduction partner for international dance/theater productions. MZ Atelier is supported by the city of Zurich Cultural Affairs, Canton Zurich, and Pro Helvetia - Swiss Arts Council.
- De LijnminorPublic transport provider with bus stop at De Warande entrance with wheelchair facilities. Bus service information provided on De Warande website for visitor accessibility.
- NMBS / Belgian RailminorNational railway with Turnhout station located five minutes walking distance from De Warande. Special evening train schedules provided for event attendees.
- Indigo ParkingminorUnderground parking operator at Wezenstraat with direct access to De Warande (zone Kuub). Parking discount validation available at ticket counter for show attendees.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
De Warande competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- KVS — Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg (Brussels): Brussels-based Flemish theater presenting drama, dance, and youth programming. Comparable scope as a Flemish-language performing arts institution with similar multi-genre programming and youth engagement.
- Cultuurcentrum Brugge: Flemish cultural center in Bruges operating theater, concert halls, and exhibition spaces. Direct peer as another publicly subsidized cultuurcentrum in the same provincial-subsidy ecosystem serving comparable community programming needs.
- CC De Singel (Antwerp): Major Flemish performing arts venue in Antwerp presenting theater, dance, and music across a multi-venue complex. Direct structural peer to De Warande as a Flemish cultuurhuis operating the same multi-venue programming model with similar ticketing and rental economics.
- Beursschouwburg (Brussels): Brussels cultural venue presenting theater, concerts, and dance with comparable mid-scale programming and similar mix of emerging and established artists. Operates as a comparable programming-led Flemish cultural house.
- Toneelhuis (Antwerp): Antwerp-based Flemish theater company producing and touring productions, comparable in Flemish-language performing arts focus and curatorial ambition to De Warande's hosted programming slate.
- Vooruit (Ghent): Flemish arts center in Ghent hosting theater, dance, concerts, and festivals across multiple halls. Comparable multi-venue urban cultural institution with similar community engagement and touring production hosting model.
- Kaaitheater (Brussels): Brussels theater presenting international contemporary performing arts with a curatorial focus on dance, theater, and festivals. Directly comparable programming profile to De Warande's contemporary dance and circus programming.
Regional players
- Le Théâtre de Liège: Walloon theater and performing arts venue in Liège with comparable programming scope (theater, dance, music). Comparable institutional format but French-speaking regional focus rather than Flemish, serving an adjacent Belgian market.
Broad incumbents
- Concertgebouw Brugge: Established Bruges-based concert hall with a broader music focus, but shares the Flemish cultural audience and competes for the same touring productions and festival audience as De Warande.
- BOZAR — Centre for Fine Arts (Brussels): Major Brussels arts center presenting music, exhibitions, and theater across multiple halls with a wider portfolio than De Warande. Operates as a larger incumbent in overlapping cultural programming space.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
De Warande social profiles
Digital presenceDe Warande financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
De Warande leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
De Warande funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
De Warande M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about De Warande
What does De Warande do?
De Warande operates a multi-venue cultural center in Turnhout, Belgium, hosting a year-round program of theater, dance, circus, music, comedy, family shows, exhibitions, and festivals across the Schouwburg (main theater), KUUB (multipurpose hall), Houten Zaal, and Expozaal. Its offering is complemented by signature festivals (Plein de Cirque, UIT HET DONKER, Zomer van de Warande), the Warandeshop (art books, vinyl, branded merchandise), Café Barzoen, and venue rental (Zaalhuur) for external productions, plus dedicated school and youth programming.
Is De Warande a public or private company?
De Warande is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was De Warande founded?
De Warande was founded in 1977.
Where is De Warande based?
De Warande is headquartered in Turnhout, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does De Warande make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are merchandise and Publications, venue Rental (Zaalhuur) and government Subsidies.
Who are De Warande's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are KVS — Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg (Brussels), Cultuurcentrum Brugge, CC De Singel (Antwerp), Beursschouwburg (Brussels), Toneelhuis (Antwerp), Vooruit (Ghent) and Kaaitheater (Brussels). Le Théâtre de Liège is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Concertgebouw Brugge and BOZAR — Centre for Fine Arts (Brussels).
Does De Warande have an API?
No public API is recorded for De Warande.
What industry is De Warande in?
De Warande's product category is Performing Arts Venue / Cultural Center Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHAAAG, Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums), with a secondary code of THAHAAAA, Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers). Its NAICS code is 711 and its SIC code is 7900.