Update: While The Giants plan their visit on the fly, so you never quite know where they’re going to be, we do know that the Bull Machin wakes up on Astridplein between 9-10am, has a daily siesta around noon on Sint-Jansplein, and returns to the nest around 6-7pm for the night.
Eight years since they last paraded through the streets of Belgium, the giants of the Royal de Luxe troup return to Antwerp from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August in their 2023 schedule. The giant dog Bull Machin and his friend are very keen to visit every corner of the city!
Royal de Luxe in Antwerp
Antwerp has enjoyed the performances of Royal de Luxe giant puppets for more than 20 years, first seeing the Big and the Little Giant in 1998. In 2006 they returned with the Elephant and the Little Giantess, then in 2010, a Diver famously walked out of the Kattendijkdok. They were last seen in 2015, where ‘De Reuzen’ or ‘The Giants’ including Oma Reus strolled through the city.
Royal de Luxe also visited the city with other performances and creations, including Peplum, The Mannequin’s Revolt, Fall Street and Miniatures.
While which Giants would appear in August 2023 remained a secret for a long time, it’s now confirmed that we’re going to be treated to a visit from Bull Machin and his friend, and they’re sure to draw the huge crowds the performances have enjoyed in the past – Antwerp saw over 900,000 visitors to the performance in 2015.
Summer in Antwerp
It’s not just Royal de Luxe performing in the Belgian city this year; a colourful mix of theatre, circus, music and film will also be available to soak up alongside the Summer sun! If you’re visiting on the weekend of the 25th of August, why not take a look at these performances too:
A Bois (A Wood)
This show performed by the Compagnie Tempo d’Eole is a fairytale adventure, full of horses, acrobatics and magic. Watch a forest come to life in a blue-and-yellow circus tent.
Location: Zomerbar, Park Groot Schijn, Ruggeveldlaan 486, 2100 Deurne
Times: 25th August – 3rd September 2023 (exc. Monday) at 8pm, Sunday at 4pm.
Price: €12
Charon
Life-size skeletons attached to a giant wheel tell the story of ferryman Charon, when you dare to pull the rope and get the wheel turning. Once up to speed, an incredible light show plays out to draw you into the underworld.
Location: Van Meterenkaai 2, 2000 Antwerpen
Times: 11th August – 31 August 2023, at 8pm
Price: Free!
Cinema Urbana
Bring a blanket, grab a drink at the bar, and settle down to watch a film on the big screen at the quay of Kattendijk dock. It’s running from the 2nd August to the 26th August, Weds – Sat, at 10pm. Best of all, it’s free!
25th August @ 8pm: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
26th August @ 8pm: Everything Everywhere All at Once
For more details, the full programme, and to browse other events, check the website zva.be.
What else to see and do in Antwerp
Diamond District
Located immediately next to the Central Station, the famous Diamond District of Antwerp is worth taking a look around even if you’re not in the market for diamonds. De Keyserlei, Vestingstraat, and Pelikaanstraat are where most of the diamond stores are congregated, and most are open every day except Saturday. It might be the most expensive window shopping you’ve ever done!
Cathedral of Our Lady
Otherwise known as Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, the Cathedral of Our Lady is a beautiful, Gothic-style building looming in the centre of the old town.
Not only is the outside impressive, however, but the inside holds a must-see collection of artworks, including paintings by Rubens.
If you’re interested in joining the mass, it’s held in English at 5:30pm every Saturday.
There is an €12 fee to visit the Cathedral, and free guided tours in multiple languages are available to join. The Cathedral is open for visitors from 10am-5pm on weekdays, 10am-3pm on Saturdays, and 1-5pm on Sundays.
MAS Museum
Not only does the MAS Museum explore the history of Antwerp, it also features frequently changing temporary exhibits that are known to be cutting edge. Make sure you take the elevator to the roof for incredible views over the city if you take the time to visit.
The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am-5pm, and tickets cost €12 for the permanent and temporary exhibitions combined.
Grote Markt
Antwerp’s Grote Markt, or Town Square, features beautiful architecture that dates back to the 16th century. The town hall is built in both Renaissance and Gothic styles, and shines as the centrepiece to the square. Sit down with a coffee and watch the world go by for a while.
Antwerp Zoo
If you have a spare few hours, then the Antwerp Zoo is definitely worth the visit. One of the oldest zoos in the world, and certainly in Belgium, there are all kinds of activities and shows put on alongside the animals, and in Winter, the zoo hosts a beautiful light festival.
Tickets cost €32.50, and you can visit between 10am-4pm every day.
Meir Shopping Street
The Meir shopping area includes the streets that run all the way from the Cathedral to the Central Station. That’s a lot of shopping to cover! You’ll find most major international brands here, hosted in historical buildings and surrounded by incredible architecture. Definitely don’t miss Stadsfeestzaal, a beautiful shopping centre in the grand city festival hall.
Travelling to Antwerp
The closest airport to Antwerp is Antwerp Airport (ANR). From there, buses 51, 52 and 53 bring you from the Airport to Antwerp-Berchem railway station in 10 minutes, which then connects you to your final destination by tram, bus, or train.
If you’re travelling via train, there are direct connections from Brussels and Ghent which take under an hour, and from Amsterdam in The Netherlands which takes less than two hours, and travel is also possible from Cologne and Dusseldorf in Germany in under four hours and with a couple of connection changes.
Buying Antwerp public transport (tram/bus) tickets
One ticket allows you to travel for 60 minutes on unlimted trams and buses, and costs €2.50. You can purchase your ticket from any ticket machine or Lijnwinkel store, or you can pay contactlessly with your bank card on the bus or tram.
You can also purchase a day ticket for 24 hours of travel which costs €7.50. You’ll need to swipe your ticket when boarding the vehicle in order to activate it.
Staying in Antwerp
If it’s your first time in Antwerp, you’ll want to stay in the historical city centre, which not only has plenty of things to see and do, but is a beautiful part of the city and easily walkable.
If you’d rather stay somewhere a bit further away from the busy main centre, the Little Island, or Het Eilandje, is a serene and popular place to book.
Royal de Luxe in Nantes and Saint-Herblain
An announcement was made in January 2023 that the Royal de Luxe troup will also be putting on a show in the streets of Nantes and Saint-Herblain after the Summer.
Read more on the Royal de Luxe official website.
Image Sources
vrt.be
royal-de-luxe.com
sortiraparis.com
Hello I am living in Ny and I would like when this great show is going to be here in North America or south, thanks.
Hello! I’ll certainly post when I hear of any upcoming shows, so stay tuned to the blog!
Hi Claire,
Please update me regarding Nantes appearance of the giants puppets would you?
Regards
Carla
Hi Carla, I will update the article as soon as I have any further details on this!
Hello what is the route of the show in Antwerp.
Hello! There is no news on a route yet, but I will update the article as soon as I hear anything.
Any news on the actual route?
Unfortunately not yet, they’re keeping it quite secret. I’m keeping a close eye on it though, and will update the post as soon as a route is confirmed!