Arguably The Netherlands’s most famous theater—our Royal Albert or Carnegie Hall if you will—the Royal Theater Carré puts on a variety of major musical, stage and dance productions. Throughout its complex and fascinating history, it has hosted acclaimed musicals such as Porgy & Bess, My Fair Lady and the seemingly so undying as to be undead Cats, as well as the likes of Buena Vista Social Club, Bette Middler, Dave Brubeck and Lou Reed.

The Carré was first opened in 1887 by renowned circus man Oscar Carré, and served primarily as a circus venue (complete with stables for all the animals!). A few years later, variety shows were performed here during the summer months, while the circus was on tour.

Since then, it has hosted many variety shows, as well as musicals, revues and dance and stage performances. The idea of the Dutch One Man Show was also born here, with Toon Hermans’s performance in December 1963.

Guided tours of the building are held on Saturday mornings at 11:00.