The Mecklenburg State Theater Schwerin is a magnificent multi-genre theater and the cultural heart of the state capital. Located directly opposite the fairytale Schwerin Castle, the building from 1883 to 1886 impresses with its representative neo-Renaissance façade and an opulently furnished neo-Baroque auditorium with around 540 red velvet seats, magnificent stucco decorations and a large ceiling chandelier.
Inside, the theater offers several stages: the main house for opera, musical theater, drama and ballet, a concert foyer and the former E-Werk as a studio stage for the Fritz Reuter stage (Low German drama), children's and youth theater as well as smaller formats. The program is supplemented by guest performances, experimental productions and the popular castle festival in summer directly in the Old Garden in front of the castle backdrop. The orchestra's tradition dates back to the 16th century, when Duke Johann Albrecht I founded the court orchestra in 1563 - today the Mecklenburg State Orchestra is the third oldest orchestra in Germany. Renowned composers such as Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Brahms, Saint-Saëns and the young Richard Wagner were closely associated with the house.
With more than 30 new productions and around 180,000 guests per year, the Staatstheater is one of the most important cultural centers in northern Germany. As part of the residential ensemble, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2024 and is an integral part of cultural life in Schwerin with its historical and artistic appeal.
