The design by Baro, Sum, Kempe Thill and Anno architects for the redevelopment of the Wintercircus in Ghent preserves much of the existing building. The architects understood the unique scale and raw beauty of the interior and set to work with the existing essence.

We know the circus as a colourful troupe that travels from village to village with a gigantic tent on stilts. Spectators, seated on wooden benches around a circular ring, enjoy the spectacle. Less well known is that in the 19th century, permanent circus buildings sprang up here and there in Europe, where circus performers could show off their skills all year round. This was also the case in the centre of Ghent, in the Vooruit and Minardschouwburg district. This building, in which the typology of the circus tent is still recognisable today, underwent three major construction periods. The first Wintercircus opened its doors in 1895. It cut through the entire block, bridging a large difference in height. Two entrances, on two different streets, led to a central rotunda with a metal dome.