The Hessian State Theatre is a major cultural highlight of Wiesbaden. Despite the city’s relatively small size, it has gained a reputation as a hub of the performing arts. This wonderful theater holds a great deal of responsibility for that achievement. Make sure you spend at least one evening here during your trip to Wiesbaden. See an opera, a play, a ballet or a concert. Whatever type of show you prefer, you will find it here.
The Hessian State Theatre first opened in 1894, after Emperor Willhelm II commissioned the Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer to design it. Look up at its spectacular neo-Baroque façade and you will feel that you have been transported back in time. The building has remained every bit as impressive as it was when it was first built. In fact, it is perhaps even more splendid nowadays, due to the grand extension that opened in 1902, designed by acclaimed local architect Felix Genzmer.
Stand outside and admire the elegant columns and the abundance of statues that make the exterior so special. Step through the doors and explore the lavish interior. The Großes Haus, or Main Theater, was painstakingly restored in the late 1970s. Note the incredible detail of the room’s gold embellishments, which stands out brightly against the rich red velvet of the seats.
In addition to this vast space, which seats over 1,000 people, the theater also has a Small Theater and an intimate Studio. A separate venue on Schwalbacher Street also offers Hessian State Theatre shows. Between them, these varied spaces offer the ideal settings for a wide range of performance types.
Find the Hessian State Theater on the south edge of the beautiful Bowling Green. Be sure to book your tickets to shows here well in advance, as tickets can sell out very quickly. Spend some time before your show enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the green, with its soothing fountains and array of elegant buildings.
