Theaterberg

The Theater am Goetheplatz, colloquially often called the Goethetheater, is the largest venue of the Theater Bremen. It stands right on Goetheplatz, at the intersection of Ostertorsteinweg and the Wallanlagen park, and faces north. The building, which has been a protected landmark since 2005, has a eventful history. It was originally built between 1912 and 1913 as a playhouse to plans by the architects August Abbehusen and Otto Blendermann and opened in 1913. After the State Theater in the Wallanlagen was completely destroyed in the air raids of World War II, the decision was made to reactivate this building. The reconstruction, designed by architects such as Hans Storm and Werner Commichau, resulted in a more austere appearance with a flat roof and simplified column capitals. On August 27, 1950, the building, then still called the Theater am Ostertor, resumed operations.

Today the building serves primarily as the main venue of the Oper Bremen, but it also hosts drama and dance theater productions. The auditorium regularly offers more than 790 seats spread across the orchestra level, balconies, and side balconies. By using the orchestra pit seats, the capacity can be increased to as many as 868 people. The technical equipment has been modernized several times over the decades. After the construction of the Neues Schauspielhaus, a new entrance was created, and in the 1990s a comprehensive renovation enlarged and lowered the main stage and installed new overhead stage machinery. Further renovations in the 2000s focused on the acoustics, the stage technology, and the standardization of the control systems to meet the high demands of musical theater.

For visitors, the theater offers not only the chance to see operas, Singspiele, or the traditional Christmas fairy tale, but also a glimpse into the history of Bremen's theater culture. The architecture combines historic elements with functional modernizations, and the facade has kept its historic dignity. In the foyers, the Theatergalerie Bremen at times presented contemporary art by international artists, enriching the cultural character of the place. As a central venue of Bremen's cultural life, the building reflects both the destruction of the war and the persistent rebuilding and ongoing development of the performing arts in the city.