Theaters In St. Pölten
St. Pölten, a vibrant city in Austria, is home to several theaters that offer a diverse and high-quality program for audiences of all ages and interests. One of the most prominent theaters in the city is the Landestheater Niederösterreich, which dates back to 1791 and boasts two stages: the Großes Haus and the Theaterwerkstatt. The Großes Haus hosts classical and contemporary plays, musicals, operas, and dance performances, while the Theaterwerkstatt is dedicated to experimental and innovative theater.
Another notable theater in St. Pölten is the Bühne im Hof, a modern venue that focuses on cabaret, comedy, music, and children’s theater. Housed in a former cinema building, Bühne im Hof offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere for its performances. The theater showcases both local and international artists, as well as its own productions.
For those interested in music, dance, and theater, the Festspielhaus St. Pölten is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a variety of events, including festivals and performances by renowned national and international artists. With a large auditorium that can accommodate up to 1,000 spectators, as well as smaller studios and rehearsal rooms, the Festspielhaus offers a wide range of artistic experiences.
Festspielhaus St. Pölten
The Festspielhaus in St. Pölten positions itself as Austria’s premier venue for international dance and contemporary ballet, extending its influence beyond national boundaries. Since its establishment in 1997, this cultural hub has evolved into one of Austria’s most striking contemporary theaters, showcasing a diverse array of performances ranging from dance, symphonic music, and jazz to hosting top Cirque Nouveau companies and world music legends.
As a multi-genre theater, the Festspielhaus St. Pölten has become renowned for its commitment to artistic innovation, providing a platform for modern ballet, global music trends, and cultural dialogue. Since the 2013 season, it has expanded its repertoire to include dance works, concerts, youth formats, and chamber music, embracing a dynamic range of genres. The venue hosts guest performances, co-productions, and artist residencies, establishing itself as a vital player in the international cultural scene.
The Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria has found a permanent home at the Festspielhaus since its inception, contributing significantly to the venue’s diverse program. With international orchestral concerts enriching the classical music offerings, the Festspielhaus embodies a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
A trailblazer in cultural mediation, the Festspielhaus prioritizes audience engagement, fostering an open space for creative interchange. The house’s commitment to cultural mediation has become integral to its program, reflecting a vision of ongoing and socially responsible cultural engagement.
Architect Klaus Kada’s innovative design, unveiled in 1997, marked a transformative moment in Lower Austrian cultural life. The Festspielhaus, featuring four distinct rooms of varying capacities, has been instrumental in elevating St. Pölten’s prominence within the cultural landscape. The Great Hall, with a seating capacity of 1,063 and additional standing and wheelchair spaces, stands out for its versatility, hosting a spectrum of events from traditional festivities and light music concerts to opera performances and dance plays.
Notable features include the Iron Curtain, a colossal work of art by Eva Schlegel, separating the auditorium from the stage. Weighing 14.5 tons, this structure adds a unique artistic dimension to the venue. The effective architecture, wide foyers, and a parking garage with direct access contribute to the overall appeal of the Festspielhaus St. Pölten, providing a seamless and enriching experience for both artists and audiences.
State Theater of Lower Austria
The Lower Austrian State Theater, situated in St. Pölten, traces its origins back to 1820 when master architect Josef Schwerdtfeger transformed a military jail into the town’s first permanent theater, doubling as a ballroom. The inaugural performance took place on December 26, 1820, showcasing a dance performance followed by a theatrical presentation a day later. The theater was later sold to the city in 1848 due to financial challenges.
Following the Ringtheater fire in 1881, the theater underwent extensive reconstruction in 1893, directed by Heinrich Wohlmeyer. Despite retaining the ancient theater’s outer walls, significant enhancements were made, including a larger stage, expanded orchestra room, and an increased seating capacity of 500. However, during the 1927/28 season, the theater was temporarily closed, eventually becoming part of the Stadtebundtheater with other theaters in the region. It faced further challenges during World War II when it served as SS barracks and storage, suffering roof destruction from bombings.
The post-war era saw the reopening of the theater in 1948, initially as an open-air venue due to the lack of a roof. Between 1966 and 1969, the theater underwent a comprehensive renovation and expansion led by Paul Pfaffenbichler, resulting in a reduced seating capacity of 411. In the 1990s, it was renamed the Theater of the State Capital of St. Pölten – Theater for Lower Austria. The subsequent years witnessed further refurbishments in 1996 and the creation of a second venue, the Theaterwerkstatt, in 2002, with a seating capacity of 120.
In the 2005/06 season, the theater assumed its current designation as the Landestheater Niederösterreich, exclusively emphasizing straight theater performances. Notably, a modern reconstruction of the main building’s foyer and the introduction of a contemporary theater café occurred in the summer of 2012, blending modern elements with the historic ambiance of the theater.
Throughout its history, the Landestheater Niederösterreich has weathered financial challenges, closures, wartime adversity, and strategic transformations. Today, it stands as a prominent cultural institution, contributing to the vibrant artistic landscape of St. Pölten.
