Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz
Gärtnerplatz 3
80469 Munich-Isarvorstadt
.How to get there
The historic Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz focuses on opera, operetta, musicals and dance. The programme is kept modern and inspires with world premieres and new interpretations of classics. The annual costume sale makes this cultural institution, with over 150 years of tradition, just as unique in Munich as the regular guided tours that offer a glimpse behind the scenes.
"Life is like a play: it's not how long it is, but how colourful it is." This saying by the Roman philosopher Seneca has lost none of its validity to this day. Cultural venues are there to leave everyday life behind for a while and escape to foreign worlds or bygone times.
The Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz, or Gärtnerplatztheater for short, offers a particularly modern programme with a focus on musical performances in the form of operetta, opera, musicals and dance. The theatre was built in 1864 in Munich's Isarvorstadt district, which is now part of the hip Glockenbach quarter.
In the magnificent building designed by architect Franz Michael Reiffenstuel, classic operettas such as Die Fledermaus are performed, as well as enchanting fairytale operas such as Hansel and Gretel for children and modern interpretations of musicals such as My Fair Lady or experimental dance theatre pieces. True to the motto "It's all in the mix".
Director Josef E. Köpplinger, who has been at the helm of the Gärtnerplatztheater since 2012, still knows how to achieve artistic success with his productions. In 2019, for example, he won three prizes at the German Musical Theatre Awards with the play "Three Men in the Snow", including the award for best director.
The Gärtnerplatztheater owes its reputation as an opera house of European standing not least to world premieres and collaborations with venues in Barcelona, Toulouse, Vienna and Florence. For those interested in culture, the theatre also offers regular guided tours lasting around an hour. Not only do you learn interesting facts about the history of the theatre, but you also get an insight backstage.
The Gärtnerplatztheater's annual costume sale is also highly recommended. Numerous fabulous costumes from various productions are available to make room in the theatre's collection. Great, unique pieces such as handmade historical costumes, uniforms or hats - are as beautiful and colourful as life itself.