A Historical Dive in Bruges: Theater De Korre and the Simon Stevin Institute

Bruges is known for its rich history, not only in architecture but also in its cultural and scientific contributions. Two notable examples of this are Theater De Korre and the Simon Stevin Institute for Scientific Research.

Founded in 1961, Theater De Korre quickly became a cultural beacon in Bruges. It started as ‘De Korrekelder’ on Kraanplein, a combination of theater and exhibition space. The establishment of the non-profit organization De Korre in 1965 gave the theater a solid legal basis. With its own magazine between 1974 and 1979 and a series of successful performances, the theater marked a golden period. However, financial challenges in the 1980s led to a relocation and eventually the disappearance of the name through mergers, finally ending in 2010.

The Bruges City Archives maintain an extensive archive of De Korre, running from 1964 to 2005. This archive contains not only files about the performances, but also about the exhibitions, a total of 633 numbers.

Another Bruges icon, the Simon Stevin Institute for Scientific Research, was founded in 1959. It was initially located on the top floor of the Sint-Jans Hospital and later moved to Jerusalem Street. The institute, which focused on interdisciplinary scientific research, was known for its innovative biochemical, physical and electronic working methods. With a team of more than 20 researchers and the organization of annual colloquia under the title ‘The Protides of Biological Fluids’, the institute achieved international recognition.

In 2022, Stan Beernaert, together with the archives of his deceased wife Mieke De Gruytere, donated valuable documents to the City Archives. These documents relate to their work at the institute, including the organization of the colloquia.

These two institutions represent an important part of the cultural and scientific history of Bruges. The City Archives plays a crucial role in preserving this history for future generations.

At a time when appreciation for local heritage is increasing, the rediscovery of these institutions offers an opportunity to relive Bruges’ rich cultural and scientific traditions. Their stories remind us of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of this historic city.