Knokke Casino

Geschiedenis

Knokke Casino is a sea-front casino in the town of Knokke, in the administrative community Knokke-Heist, in the province of West Flanders in Flanders, Belgium.The largest of Belgium's ten casinos, it is known for its artwork by Keith Haring, René Magritte and Paul Delvaux. It is the first of four casinos, in different Belgian towns, designed by Léon Stynen. The late twenties building was severely damaged during the second world war. The subsequent renovation allowed surrealist master Magritte to create a giant 360° mural, finished in 1953, comprising eight panels called 'The Enchanted Domain'.The Kroonluchterzaal contains a 6-ton chandelier made of Venetian crystal. The chandelier has a diameter of 8.5m and is 6.5m high. Some 22,000 pieces of glass were used and 2,700 lamps light up the main hall. It was created by architect J. Selis and designer Al. David.Former members of the Casino's orchestra include, in the 1930s, composer and violist, Jef Maes.EventsAmong the events held at the casino are finals of the Miss Belgium contest, competitions to select the Belgian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, and the premiere of Hugo Claus' dramatic sketch Masscheroen.In July 1963, Jacques Brel headlined at casino for the fifth Coupe d'Europe de Tour de Chant. During this engagement, he performed the classic "Mathilde" for the first time.