Once upon a time, in the city of Ghent, Belgium, there was a permanent circus that captivated audiences for five decades with stunning performances featuring dancers, acrobats, and elephants.
The circus closed its doors in 1944. In 1947, a car dealer transformed the venue into a garage, selling cars until 1978. Afterward, the owner used the space as a depot for vintage vehicles before ultimately selling it to the city.
After years of neglect, the building fell into a state of disrepair until Ghent initiated a renovation project. A consortium of entrepreneurs came together to revitalize the circus, transforming it into a dynamic hub where technology, art, and innovation converge.
The new Winter Circus officially opened on September 6, 2024. Being one of the early investors in the project, Bruno Lowagie will talk about the past, present, and future of the initiative.