Palace Theatre re-opens in the New Palace

After remaining closed for seven years of restoration work, the Palace Theatre in the New Palace is open again! It is regarded as one of the most beautiful baroque theatres in Europe. The first performances were held in autumn 2021. With its unusual ambience, the theatre plays host to operas, concerts and plays, as well as meetings and conferences.

The New Palace in Sanssouci Park was built between 1763 and 1769 by the Prussian King Frederick II. Alongside regal guest apartments and banqueting halls, the King had his palace theatre built in the southern wing of the New Palace. Outside, the figures on the roof, with their masks and musical instruments indicate the use of the wing. Inside, red and gold are the dominating colours. Oriental instruments and Chinese decorative elements are all typical of the Frederician rococo style. The amphitheatre-like auditorium is in front of the stage, which is framed by golden palm trees and trophies with musical instruments. Among them are oriental instruments typical of the Chinoiserie of the 18^thcentury, including castanets, cymbals, and tambourines. During the past 250 years the theatre has been modified, restored and modernised several times.

However, the original, artistically-used building material and the character of the theatre have remained. The amphitheatre-style auditorium seats 226. A ventilation system, separate entrances and a hygiene plan ensure that everyone stays safe during the pandemic. Highlights in 2022 include “Amadeus” by the Hans Otto Theatre Potsdam, directed by Bettina Jahnke in March, the Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival in June, as well as performances by the Poetenpack Theatre Potsdam and the Berlin Castle Concerts. The Potsdam Winter Opera (Potsdam Chamber Academy in co-operation with the Hans Otto Theatre Potsdam) will also be performed again at its traditional venue. Before the theatre, guests can enjoy a Highlight Tour of the New Palace with its magnificent banqueting halls. Tickets are available in the New Palace visitor centre. In the summer the King´s apartments will open again to visitors. A full programme of events can be found at www.spsg.de/aktuelles/kalender-schlosstheater/