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I Visited This Abandoned Movie Theater To Capture These 16 Photographs

Aegidium is a stunning abandoned movie theater hidden in plain sight on a busy street in Brussels, Belgium. From the outside, you would not expect that there are multiple rooms with a total size of 3,260 m² located behind the small door. A mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements is found throughout the building. However, the main room (movie theater) is designed in a beautiful Moorish style by architect Léon Denis.

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Attic in decay

Moorish room

I Visited This Abandoned Movie Theater To Capture These 16 Photographs

Doors of Conference room

I Visited This Abandoned Movie Theater To Capture These 16 Photographs

The building was constructed in 1906 and opened its doors under the name “Diamant Palace.” The main purpose of the building was to host parties. After the owner died, the building was sold and renamed to “Panthéon-Palace.” The Panthéon-Palace was well known for some of the best dancing nights. Eventually, in 1929, the building changed owners again and was named “Aegidium.” Aegidium refers to the patron saint of Saint-Gilles. Saint-Gilles is the name of the district that Aegidium is located in.

Abandoned rooms

I Visited This Abandoned Movie Theater To Capture These 16 Photographs

Main staircase

I Visited This Abandoned Movie Theater To Capture These 16 Photographs

Multiple renovation works took place in 1933. This led to the new purpose of the building: a movie theater. For almost 50 years, this was a success, but in 1979, Aegidium was transformed into a day center. Nearly 6 years later, the doors closed due to the bad state of the building.

I Visited This Abandoned Movie Theater To Capture These 16 Photographs

Entrance exterior

I Visited This Abandoned Movie Theater To Capture These 16 Photographs

In the past years, many potential projects have passed, but none of them have been a success thus far. The building requires heavy renovation, and the fact that strong regulations apply for that renovation makes it expensive and challenging. Let’s hope that this amazing building finds a new owner and purpose very soon.

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Roman Robroek is a photographer who captures forgotten places around the world. In particular, he is focused on creating stunning photos of abandoned locations, rich with wonder, mystery and unanswered questions.

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My name is Aelita and I have been an Editor for Bored Panda since 2019. I spend my days working with my amazing team and making articles the best they can be. Fantasy and magic have always ruled over my world, from movies to TV shows, to Video Games to tabletop games like Dungeos and Dragons, I try to find magic in every part of my life. Writing is a big part of me too, I hope to publish a fantasy novel one day. I also enjoy playing guitar and singing, as music always help me to get in a great mood. I have an adorable German Shepherd named Hela and we get into all kinds of adventures together.

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Billy the kid 4 years ago

That is an amazing building. Its a shame to see such beauty been abandoned. With the style of the doors and the beautiful flooring. The attic is out of this world. It made me think what it was like when it was up and running. It must of been a very popular theatre. Wonder why it was abandoned?

4points

Roman Robroek (Post author) 4 years ago

I’ve actually written a bit about that: “ Multiple renovation works took place in 1933. This led to the new purpose of the building: a movie theater. For almost 50 years, this was a success, but in 1979, Aegidium was transformed into a day center. Nearly 6 years later, the doors closed due to the bad state of the building.”

3points

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