Deutsches Schauspielhaus (Hamburg Theatre), Hamburg

The Hamburg Theatre (Deutsches Schauspielhaus) is an iconic spoken theater located in the Saint Georg district of Hamburg. As the largest of its kind in Germany, it boasts 1,200 seats and a remarkable history that spans over 120 years. Founded in 1899 through a private citizen initiative, the theater was designed by the esteemed Viennese architectural firm Fellner and Helmer. Its design, inspired by the Vienna Volkstheater, showcases a splendid neo-Baroque style. The theater opened its doors on September 15, 1900, with a performance of Goethe's "Iphigenia on Tauris."

Situated directly behind Hamburg's main train station, the Hamburg Theatre not only serves as a cultural landmark but also as a center of theatrical art in the heart of the city. It continues the legacy of the Hamburg National Theater of the mid-18th century, which featured the work of dramaturge Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. Throughout the 20th century, it played a pivotal role in shaping Hamburg's theater scene and remains a leading institution in Germany.

Over the decades, it has been influenced by numerous prominent artistic directors and directors including Gustaf Gründgens, Peter Zadek, and Frank Baumbauer. Since 2013-14, Karin Beier has led the theater, supported by renowned directors like Frank Castorf, Karin Henkel, Christoph Marthaler, Katie Mitchell, René Pollesch, Michael Thalheimer, and Falk Richter.

Today, the Hamburg Theatre stands as not only a stunning architectural masterpiece but also as a thriving hub for innovative theatrical productions, contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of Hamburg and the broader German-speaking world.