Berlin is one of the most culturally significant cities in Europe. Its eventful history, which is symbolic of Germany as a whole, and its vibrant yet tolerant present make Berlin a colorful and cosmopolitan metropolis. There is a huge variety of cultural venues here—from cabaret and variety shows to musicals and classic plays, every genre is on offer.
Maxim Gorki Theater – a small house of great importance
This capital-city stage is the smallest and oldest stage in Berlin. The building was completed in 1827 according to the plans of Karl Friedrich Schinkel and initially served as the concert hall for the “Berliner Singakademie.” It was only after its reconstruction in 1952 that it began to be used as a classic playhouse.
Shermin Langhoff and Jens Hillje have been active here since 2013, shaping the traditional values of the house with themes from contemporary society. The ensemble has earned awards such as “Theater of the Year.”
Address: Maxim-Gorki-Theater, Am Festungsgraben 2, 10117 Berlin
Volksbühne – the controversial and innovative stage
The famous house on Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz was built between 1913 and 1914 by architect Oskar Kaufmann with the help of donations and was considered a modern theater building with space for 2,000 spectators.
The productions and stagings were financed by an association of the same name, and members received discounted ticket prices—making it possible for the “people” to visit plays, not just the upper class. After reunification, Frank Castorf took over as artistic director in 1992 and continues to shape this theater with controversial, innovative, and political plays.
Address: Volksbühne Berlin, Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, 10178 Berlin