The Bühnen der Stadt Köln is one of the largest multi-genre theatres in the German-speaking world. With over 850 employees, Bühnen Köln produces opera, children’s opera, theatre, and dance productions for the citizens of Cologne and surrounding regions in Europe. These divisions operate under the independent names Oper Köln, Schauspiel Köln, and Tanz Köln.This structure encompasses the artistic development of productions, the creation of stage sets, costumes, props, and the provision of necessary facilities and administrative infrastructure, along with audience services and educational outreach. Each year, over 250,000 spectators attend more than 700 performances, and these artistic achievements receive regional and international media coverage. Bühnen der Stadt Köln, structured as an enterprise, is also the project manager for the full renovation of the Offenbachplatz theatre complex. Due to ongoing renovations, the divisions perform in various interim venues: Oper Köln at the Staatenhaus on the Rhine in Deutz, Schauspiel Köln at the Carlswerk site in Cologne-Mülheim, as well as various administrative and production locations across the city.
Schauspiel Köln is the venue for classics of world literature, contemporary drama, and documentary engagement with the city and for its people. Until the reopening of its theatres at Offenbachplatz, Schauspiel Köln operates from the Mülheim district, where it has established three stages and the urban gardening project "Carlsgarten." Over the past eleven years, this former industrial area has evolved into a unique cultural site and vibrant public space, which will remain a legacy for the city even after the return to Offenbachplatz. Starting in the 2025/26 season, Kay Voges will lead Schauspiel Köln as Artistic Director, guiding the ensemble-based institution with 30 resident actors and guest artists from Germany and abroad. International guest performances and collaborations throughout the city bring diverse themes such as inclusivity, digitality and cultural variety into focus. Signature directing styles merge aesthetic innovation with socio-political discourse, making Schauspiel Köln a space for forward-thinking and culturally resonant theatre.
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