In the heart of Braunschweig stands the Braunschweig State Theatre, an impressively designed building in the style of the early Florentine Renaissance with neoclassical details - an architectural landmark and cultural center of the city.
As the oldest public multi-genre theater in Germany, it looks back on a long tradition: the first theater performances date back to 1690 with inaugural productions such as Lessing's "Emilia Galotti". Today's opera and drama house was opened in 1861 and has since served as a central venue for musical theater, drama, dance, children's and youth theater as well as productions by the state orchestra. The theater is divided into three venues: the Great House, the Small House and the Aquarium in the foyer of the Small House. In addition, the Young State Theatre occasionally enlivens Burgplatz with an open-air stage for open-air productions with around 1,200 seats.
Exterior view of the "Kleines Haus" © Staatstheater Braunschweig
With around 35 premieres and over 700 events per season, including operas, plays, dance theater, concerts and youth formats, the theater is one of the most important cultural institutions in the region. One outstanding element is the Braunschweig State Orchestra, which belongs to the theater as a traditional cultural orchestra and performs in around 120 opera and concert events per year - the oldest orchestra of its kind in the world.
The theater is located directly next to the Theaterpark, a green area along the Umflutgraben, which creates a historical link between the city, culture and nature - ideal for a walk before or after the visit. The striking Cimiotti fountain in front of the main entrance is a work of art by sculptor Emil Cimiotti and enriches the forecourt with plant and biotope motifs and night-time lighting. A visit to the Staatstheater Braunschweig promises architectural beauty, over 300 years of theater history and a diverse cultural offering with international appeal.
