Opernhaus Kiel (Kiel Opera House), Kiel

Built between 1905 and 1907 following an architectural competition, the Kiel Opera House was designed by Berlin architect Heinrich Seeling in the Art Nouveau style, featuring an elegant red-brick façade with elaborate sandstone details. The opera house was inaugurated on October 1, 1907, with a grand opening that included performances of Parsifal, Der Kunst ein Haus, and Fidelio. Originally known as the Stadttheater Kiel, it quickly became the city’s leading venue for drama and musical theater.

During World War II, the opera house suffered severe destruction, but it was rebuilt in the early 1950s, featuring an interior in the “New Modern” style of the time. Today, the building is listed as a historic monument and boasts a computer-controlled stage system, a revolving stage, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology.

With seating for over 800 spectators, the Kiel Opera House is a major venue in northern Germany for a diverse repertoire, including baroque opera, classical works, musicals, operettas, and ballet performances by its in-house company. In addition to the main stage, smaller foyers and the Klaiber Studio are used for more experimental productions and chamber concerts, offering a rich variety of performances.