The Luxor Theatre dates from 1917. In the early 20th century if you wanted to view a musical, you went to the Luxor, and the theatre was a popular place among the local citizens. It gained status after WW II, because the Luxor survived the bombings that struck the city; many other buildings did not. Unfortunately, the building soon became too small as Rotterdam had grown and had a larger population making demands. The result was a competition to incorporate the old into a new structure.
Balles and Wilson won the competition, and between 1996 and 2000 they oversaw the construction. It emerged as a modern building, and brilliant reds prevail in the external color scheme of a round facade. This contrasts with the small square entrance. A futuristic structure, the New Luxor Theatre now squats not far from various charming cheap hotels in Rotterdam. It can sit 1,500, and is now one of the largest theatres in the Netherlands. Today, it still hosts many major stage musicals, and some performances are in English. In the evening, it is a lovely walk to and from your hotel in Rotterdam near the New Luxor Theatre.