Kassel receives a new interim player: A theater of the future is created!

Kassel receives a new interim player: A theater of the future is created!

On April 6, 2025, numerous decision -makers and representatives of cultural policy held an on -site appointment at the interim venue of the State Theater Kassel. Among those present were Uwe Gabriel from the GWG, Otto Schweitzer von Nüssli, director Florian Lutz, Mayor Sven Schoeller and Minister of Art and Culture Timon Gremmels. This start marks a significant step in the history of the theater city of Kassel, which can look back on more than 400 years of theater history. Mayor Sven Schoeller emphasized the urgent need for this substitute game, especially since the renovation of the large house began in summer 2023.

The interim playing site is built on a former barracks and is planned as a modular construction, which is completely renewed and rebuilt. It will play a central role in the city's cultural life by offering space for opera, drama, dance and concerts. The city of Kassel and the state of Hesse is responsible for the sponsorship for the project, the latter covering around 80 percent of the costs. A theater contract also regulates a cost relationship of 52 to 48 percent between city and country.

Construction and equipment of the interim player

The new venue is designed for up to 850 visitors and includes an orchestra ditch. The construction of 160 prefabricated containers is planned, which offer the functional infrastructure around the main building. These containers will include artist wardrobes, technology and storage rooms, offices, kitchen areas and a ticket shop. This temporary solution is an answer to the significant need for renovation of the opera house, which was already determined in 2018.

The project is a challenge because up to 300 employees with over 100 different work rooms have to move. The GWG (non -profit housing association of the city of Kassel mbH) acts as an investor and builder, while the company Nüssli acts as general entrepreneur. The construction will take place in the former Jägerkaserne I, and further plans provide two footfields to the venue and 200 parking spaces for theater goers on the HNA site.

planned opening

The opening of the interim player is planned for October 31, 2025. Until then, the State Theater in the Old Opera House will present two productions with a low stage technology to bridge the time until completion. In addition, the city of Kassel will strive for an urban development of the Jägerkaserne I, which includes the creation of around 200 new apartments and a neighborhood garage. These apartments should be ready for occupancy in the third quarter of 2027 at the latest.

Overall, the project of the interim venue shows a strong commitment of the city of Kassel and the state of Hesse for the culture and the creative future of the region. It underlines the importance of theater and art in everyday life and continues a tradition that already started in the Ottoneum, the first solid theater construction in Germany.