Three time periods take center stage, explains Odin Essers, curator of Special Collections. It begins with the Jesuits. Just like Tongersestraat 53, now home to the School of Business and Economics, the Bonbonnière belonged to the well-read religious order (their book collection became the foundation of the University Library’s Special Collections). “It was their monastery church, and a little further down the street stood the Latin school where they taught.”
The Jesuits eventually left, the order was even banned by the Pope in 1773 “because it had become too powerful.” In 1788, the transformation of the building into a theater began. “Of course there were performances, but it was also truly a meeting place – that social aspect was very important.” Even Napoleon once came here to see and be seen.
The Germans also used the building as a theater during the occupation, “though those performances were filled with propaganda.” After the liberation, American soldiers came there for entertainment. “Among others, Marlene Dietrich performed there,” says Essers. “A few years ago we were able to acquire a portrait of her, drawn by the Limburg artist Charles Eyck. That too will be on display at the exhibition.”