Theater des Westens

The "Theater des Westens" is a unique architectural structure. The front building with the main facades facing Kantstrasse (the present main entrance) and Fasanenstrasse (the former main entrance) shows a unique mixture of Renaissance, Empire and Art Nouveau elements which are elegant and yet cheerful and vivacious.
Above the rusticated pedestal storey rises the high main storey, which consists of two storeys in the interior, with a colossal order and round arch windows. The glazing bars are interesting in form, giving an impression of perspective. At the top of the facade is an attic crowned with sculptures. The block type corners are impressively topped with roof lanterns. The inscription can be translated as "This building was built for the care of the arts".
The part of the building containing the stage is similar in style to the mediaeval fortress of Eltz: a brick building with battlements, bays, gables, towers and half timber framework. The interior is dominated by plush and pomp.
The architecture thus exactly matches the character of the theatre: it is a site for light entertainment, from 1898 in the form of operettas, and today with musicals. The building was used as the home of the German opera house from 1945- 61 and the interior was radically mo­dern­­­i­sed for the purpose, but since 1978 it has again been characterised by the old extravagance.

---

Contact Information

Theater des Westens
Kantstraße 12
10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg

Tel. +4930319030