Theaters In Linz
Renowned for its contributions to literature and music, Linz boasts a vibrant theater scene to suit a wide range of tastes. Under its theater umbrella, this small town offers something for everyone, from classical masterpieces to avant-garde presentations.
Among the spaces of the Linz Landestheatre is the honorable one. Founded in 1803, this esteemed institution has been a linchpin of the city’s cultural scene for nearly two centuries. The Landestheater delights viewers with its eternal fascination thanks to its luxurious furnishings and world-class productions.
POSTHOF Linz offers a colorful stage for artistic presentations for fans of modern theatre. With its experimental repertoire and avant-garde productions, this unusual venue – located in a repurposed postal warehouse – defies conventional theater rules.
Not to be eclipsed, the Brucknerhaus pays tribute to Linz’s commitment to the performing arts. Named after the city’s most eminent composer, Anton Bruckner, this contemporary concert hall offers a diverse range of theatrical events, including symphonic and chamber music concerts.
With an intimate theater experience, the Kellertheater allows viewers to enjoy provocative plays and personal performances. Tucked away in the heart of Linz’s historic core, this attractive location embraces innovation while still respecting the city’s dramatic heritage.
Apart from conventional venues, Linz boasts a vibrant street theater culture where artists regularly entertain guests with improvisational performances and interactive exhibitions from the city’s parks and squares.
In addition to its venues, Linz boasts a vibrant community of independent theater groups and production companies that enhance the city’s cultural landscape with their unique ideas and creative projects.
State Theater Linz
The State Theater in Linz, which consists of three locations — Musiktheater am Volksgarten, Schauspielhaus and Kammerspiele, is the largest theater in Upper Austria. Owned by the state of Upper Austria, the theater is managed by O. Theater und Orchester GmbH. Its history begins in 1752 when Johann Matthias Kriner proposed the construction. Originally built in a converted warehouse, the State Theater opened in 1803 and has seen many changes and additions over the years.
After the revolution of 1848, censorship restrictions were loosened, allowing more creative freedom in programming. Opera gained popularity in the twenties of the last century, and in 1923 Bertolt Brecht’s play was presented for the first time in Austria at the State Theater in Linz. But film competition caused problems for the theater in the 1930s and 1940s.
In the early 1950s the city of Linz and the state of Upper Austria took over the theater, which led to further development, including the construction of the Kamerspiel and the restoration of the great house. In later years, additional venues were added: the ancient orchestra rehearsal hall, the Eisenhand and the Teaterkeleruhof.
The front of the theater was restored in 2008 to its original yellow color, and more doors were added — including one directly to the underground parking lot. The renovation of the Kammerspiel lobby included seated assembly steps. Opened in 2013, the Linz Music Theater enhances the cultural environment of Linz.
Tribüne Linz
Originally the Eisenhand-Theater, Tribune Linz is an independent theater located in the side wing of the Iron Hand Inn in Linz, Upper Austria. Originally opened as the Eisenhand Cinema in 1950, it became the Eisenhand venue for the Landestheater Linz in 1998, hosting youth theater events with approximately 170 seats and smaller spoken word presentations. But the Eisenhand Theater was closed in 2013 in line with the renovation of the Landestheater, which included the construction of the Music Theatre. It was then bought by a private group and turned into the Tribune Linz – Theater am Sudbahnhofmarkt.
Featuring works by eminent authors including Friedrich Dürrenmath, Johann Wolfgang Goethe and contemporary playwrights, Tribune Linz offers a year-round program of performances for adults and children. The theater regularly presents events including well-known theater stars such as Eugen Victor, enhancing Linz’s vibrant cultural scene.
Under the management of Bernhard Mayer, Cornelia Metzitzer and Rudi Millener, the Tribune Linz is still a well-known theater of dramatic arts in the area, offering the audience a variety of interesting productions.
Theater Phönix
First opened in 1989, the Phoenix Theater is a prominent center stage in Linz, Upper Austria, and attracts around 25,000 guests a year to its three performance locations. Located at Wienerstrasse 25 in the building of the former Phoenix cinema, the theater has transformed a cinema hall into a dramatic stage near the Unionkreuzung.
But a technical fault during the COVID-19 pandemic caused a fire in the back rehearsal room in April 2021, damaging equipment and the building. Responding to the incident, the fire service extinguished the fire and calculated the damage at around 300,000 euros. Fortunately, insurance paid for the damage; the cleaning was scheduled for eight weeks; by the end of August, the repair of the rehearsal space was completed.
The Phoenix Theater building has a distinctive medium blue facade with almost vertical white lines. Four glass doors surround three staircases and a theater foyer that is accessible by an elevator for people with disabilities, which also houses the restaurant and the Phoenix bar. On the first level of the building there is a street area with three light poles and two guest gardens, which emphasize its visual attractiveness, and a clubhouse used for events.
The Phoenix Theater is still a major cultural center in Linz, offering its patrons interesting performances and activities even with the big fire failure.
Linzer Kellertheater
The Linzer Kellertheater, a comedy theater on the main square in Linz, is a great place for a carefree and fun night out. Beginning in 1954, when Helmut Ortner set it up as a theater in a small room in the basement of the former Goethe cafe, the theater has a long and rich history. Since then, the theater has moved to Hauptplatz 21, a larger and more central location that theater lovers find particularly attractive.
With a fantastic group of actors and directors, the Linzer Kellertheater offers a diverse spectrum of comedies from classic to modern. Among the productions that graced the theater are “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon, “Boing Boing” by Marko Camoletti and “The Nerd” by Larry Šu. The theater regularly hosts guest performances, including comedy companies, including Hamburg, Germany’s Improtheater Steife Brise.
The theater can boast of a good atmosphere and a friendly team that welcomes and comforts the audience. The theater also has a bar where you can have a drink before or after the show. Considering the number of theater seats — about a hundred — it is advised to get tickets in advance, especially for highly sought-after events. The theater’s website, www.kellertheater.at, shows the current calendar and ticket information.
Relying on donations from its members, sponsors and patrons, the non-profit Linzer Kellertheater is To further its business and goals, the theater often plans fundraising events such as auctions and charity galas. The theater is always looking for new members, volunteers and donors who share its passion for theater and humor. Please contact the theater at info@kellertheater.at if you would like to join or sponsor it.
Providing a unique and enjoyable theater experience, the comic gem in the center of Linz is the Linzer Kellertheater. The theater will give you many reasons to laugh and smile, whether you live here or are a guest. Don’t miss the opportunity to see a play at the Linzer Kellertheater and enjoy its charm and humor.
Brucknerhaus Linz
Named after Anton Bruckner, Brucknerhaus Linz is a performance venue by the Danube in Linz, Upper Austria. Begun in 1930, efforts to establish a Bruckner concert hall developed over the years with several proposals and ideas. Inspired by Finnish architects Kaija and Heikki Sirén, who put excellent acoustic qualities first, construction began in 1969, and the hall was completed in 1974.
On March 23, 1974, the Brucknerhaus was opened with a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Herbert von Karajan. The first general manager was Horst Stadlmayr; after that, in 1998, Wolfgang Winkler combined artistic direction with house management. Karl Gerbel followed.
Every year, the Brucknerhaus hosts top international performers and groups at the International Bruckner Festival in Linz. Under the direction of Dennis Russell Davies, the Bruckner Orchestra Linz, directly connected to the venue, has been a consistent fixture in the performance schedule since 2000.
The Brucknerhaus hosts symposia, events and the Prix Ars Electronica award ceremony in conjunction with the ‘Ars Electronica’ festival. On the banks of the Danube, since 1979, it has been holding the annual “Visualized Cloud of Sounds” events, where various installations and performances are shown.
In addition, the Linzer Konzertverein twice a year in the Brucknerhaus. Thanks to these events and activities, the Brucknerhaus has become known as a major cultural institution, thus enhancing the musical environment of Linz and beyond.
