The building De Maagd, at Grote Markt 32, is now a theatre. However, its original function was a Roman Catholic church. De Maagd is a former parish church designed by Antwerp architect Josephus-Emanuel Franssen (1792-1855). The name of this church was Holy Virgin Mary Assumption. The church was built between 1824 and 1829 as a 'waterstaatskerk' (a church commissioned and financed by the state) in the Neoclassical style.
In 1987, the building was deconsecrated. Subsequently, a major renovation took place. The church became the city theatre of Bergen op Zoom. The building underwent a metamorphosis, and eventually, the church was transformed into the current theatre, designed by Onno Greiner (1924-2010). The architect managed to preserve the core of the building, allowing one to see that the theatre was built in a church. In 1990, the theatre was opened as “De Maagd” by Princess Margriet (1943). The national monument is now an atmospheric theatre.
Many elements of the church are still visible in the building, such as robust columns, large stained-glass windows, paintings, and an impressive mural on the back wall of the stage. The paintings include those by Joan (Johan Coenraad) Colette (1889-1958), created in 1925, 1930, and 1952. Zeef Zevenbergen (1949-1998) was called upon for the restoration of the murals.
The large stained-glass windows, depicting Our Lady multiple times, were designed by Piet (Petrus Josephus Cornelius Clysen (1909-1977). The artist Karel Mijnsbergen crafted the large works. Each window required two months of labour and were mostly made in 1935 and 1936.
For the construction of the stage tower, two large stained-glass windows have been removed. These have been transferred to St. Gertrude's Church, across the Grote Markt.
