Theatermuseum (Theater Museum), Dusseldorf

The Theater Museum in Dusseldorf stands as a distinctive cultural institution, being Germany’s only independent, municipally sponsored museum dedicated to theater arts. Originally rooted in the archive of the Dusseldorf Playhouse and open to the public since 1938, it combines a museum, an extensive library, and an active studio stage under one roof. This venue offers not only an exhibition of historical artifacts but also an ongoing program of performances, with a particular focus on youth engagement. From children’s theater and narrative showcases to improvisational acts, the museum’s guest performances keep the art form accessible and lively.

Currently transitioning from the Hofgartnerhaus in Hofgarten to the historic former post office building near the main station, the museum’s permanent exhibit, "SchauPlatze – Theater in der Stadt," provides a comprehensive look into the evolution of German theater through the lens of Dusseldorf's storied theatrical scene. The exhibition chronicles the development of courtly theater and opera in the 16th and 17th centuries, the establishment of Dusseldorf’s City Theatre in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the post-war innovations including the German Opera on the Rhine and the founding of notable stages like the Comedy (Komodchen) and Chamber Plays (Kammerspiele). The journey through Dusseldorf’s theatrical landscape wouldn’t be complete without recognizing influential figures such as J.G. Wohlbruck, Louise Dumont, Gustav Lindemann, Gustaf Grundgens, and Karl Heinz Stroux, whose legacies are explored in depth.

The museum’s library, boasting over 25,000 books and periodicals, and the Dumont Lindemann Archive are vital resources for scholars and theater enthusiasts alike. Its programming extends beyond exhibitions, offering community events, puppet theater, crafts, and socio-cultural projects, all fostering a vibrant intersection of theater, history, and contemporary performance.