Royal Playhouse [the Hague]
Koninklijke Schouwburg
Theatre building in the Hague, The Netherlands
theatergebouw in Den Haag, Nederland
Royal Playhouse
Built 1766 by Pieter de Swart as a palace for Prince Karl Christian von Nassau-Weilburg. 1802-1804 converted into a theatre by J. van Duijfhuijs. Opened 30 April 1804 as Nieuwe Haagsche Schouwburg with Voltaire's tragedy Semiramis. Later renamed Koninklijke Hollandsche Schouwburg (Royal Dutch Theatre). 1863 major rebuilding, 1913-1914 foyer and entrance rebuilding. 1941-1942 renamed Stadschouwburg, 1942-1945 renamed Deutsches Theater in den Niederlanden, 1945 renamed Koninklijke Schouwburg. 1976 and 1989 renovations. 1991 foyer alterations. 1996-1999 closed for a major stage rebuilding and auditorium renovation by Charles VandenHove. 2006-2007 addition of a new backstage building by PRO architects for the Het Nationale Toneel ensemble. Originally 864 seats, 1863: 925 seats, 1913: 817 seats, 1999: 680 seats.