Tyrolean State Theater

The Tyrolean State Theatre in Innsbruck (German: Tiroler Landestheater Innsbruck) is more than just a place for entertainment. It is a cultural institution that reflects the history and identity of the city and the region. Located in the heart of the historic Altstadt (Old Town), the theatre is surrounded by landmarks such as the Imperial Hofburg, the Hofgarten, and the SOWI Faculty of the University of Innsbruck. The theatre offers a diverse program of plays, operas, operettas, musicals, and dance theater, catering to a wide range of audiences and tastes.

The Origins of the Theatre

The origins of the theatre date back to the 17th century, when Innsbruck was the seat of the Habsburg court in Tyrol. In 1629, architect Christopher Gump the Younger converted one of the houses along a racecourse from the Imperial Hofburg into a large theater for the Archduke Leopold, who was an avid patron of the arts. The theater, called the Comedihaus, hosted performances of Italian comedies and operas, as well as German plays and ballets.

In 1654, Gump built a new theatre on the opposite side of the racetrack, where the Landestheater now stands. This court theater was renovated in 1765, and became the venue for the premiere of Mozart’s opera La finta giardiniera in 1775. The theater also witnessed the coronation of Emperor Leopold II as King of Bohemia in 1790.

The Rise and Fall of the Municipal Theater

After the Bavarian takeover in 1805, the theater was renamed the Royal Bavarian Court National Theatre, and continued to host performances of German and French plays, as well as operas by Beethoven, Weber, and Rossini. However, the theater suffered from neglect and decay, and was closed in 1844.

In the 1840s, a group of citizens formed a theatrical company and collected donations to build a new theater. The current theatrical building was constructed in 1846, in a neoclassical style, with a capacity of about 800 seats. The theater was inaugurated with a performance of Schiller’s Wilhelm Tell, and soon became a popular and prestigious venue for the cultural life of the city. The theater hosted premieres of works by Tyrolean playwrights such as Karl Schönherr and Franz Kranewitter, as well as operas by Wagner, Verdi, and Puccini.

The theater was renamed the Tiroler Landestheater (Tyrolean State Theatre) in 1945, after the end of World War II. The theater survived the war with minor damages, and resumed its activities with a performance of Beethoven’s Fidelio.

The Modernization and Expansion of the Landestheater

In 1959, the underground studio theatre was opened, with a capacity of about 250 seats. This smaller and more intimate venue allowed for more experimental and contemporary productions, such as those by Brecht, Ionesco, and Beckett.

In 1961, the main theatre was closed for renovation and expansion, which lasted until 1967. The new theatre had a larger stage, improved acoustics, and modern technical equipment. The theater also added a new wing, which housed a rehearsal hall, a workshop, and a cafeteria.

In 1991 and 1992, the theater underwent another refurbishment and transformation, which made it a flexible space theater. The auditorium could be adapted to different configurations, such as a proscenium, a thrust, or an arena stage. The theater also improved its accessibility and comfort for the audience and the performers.

In 2003, the new rehearsal stage was completed, as an extension to the main theatre. The rehearsal stage, designed by Munich architect Karl Probst, has a capacity of about 150 seats, and can host smaller and more intimate performances, as well as workshops and lectures. The rehearsal stage also features a glass façade, which allows for natural light and a view of the Hofgarten.

The façade of the Landestheater was rebuilt as a final construction in 2004, and a new forecourt was created. The new façade, made of glass and steel, gives the theater a modern and elegant appearance, while also respecting the historical context of the building.

The Landestheater Today

Today, the Landestheater is one of the most important cultural institutions in Tyrol, and one of the leading theaters in Austria. With its three venues, the theater can accommodate up to 1,200 spectators, and offers a rich and varied program of about 30 productions per season, ranging from classical to contemporary, from drama to musical, from opera to dance. The theater also collaborates with other cultural organizations, such as the Tyrolean Symphony Orchestra, the Tyrolean Festival Erl, and the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music.

The Landestheater is not only a place for entertainment, but also a place for education and dialogue. The theater organizes educational programs for children, young people, and adults, such as workshops, guided tours, and introductions to the performances. The theater also hosts discussions, readings, and lectures, as well as special events, such as the Long Night of the Theater, the Theater Ball, and the Theater Flea Market.

The Landestheater is a theater that celebrates the past, embraces the present, and anticipates the future. It is a theater that reflects the history and identity of Innsbruck and Tyrol, while also opening up to the world and the new trends of the art scene. It is a theater that invites the audience to enjoy, to learn, and to participate in the cultural life of the city.

Innsbruck, Austria