Berlin’s Top 10 : Performing Arts Venues

Staatsoper Unter den Linden

Both
the theatre troupe and the orchestra of the venerable Berlin Opera
enjoy top reputations. No where else can you see so many top stars of
classical music. During refurbishment from mid-2010 to 2013,
performances will take place at Schillertheater, Bismarckstr. 110.

• 030 20 35 45 55

Philharmonie

Germany’s
“temple” of classical music still presents the best performers in the
world. Designed by Scharoun, the concert hall has unique acoustics, much
appreciated by artists and audience alike. Concerts by the Berlin
Philharmonic Orchestra are very popular and are often sold out for weeks
ahead .

• Herbert-von-Karajan-Str. 1

• Box Office: 3–6pm Mon–Fri, 11am–2pm Sat–Sun

• 030 25 48 89 99

Deutsche Oper

Berlin’s
most modern opera house, with its elegant retro-design, was built in
1961 on the site of the former Deutsches Opernhaus, which was destroyed
during World War II. The controversial 88 slabs of washed-out concrete,
chosen by Architect Fritz Bornemann for the main façade, replaced the
classic columned portico that once stood here and led critics to accuse
the building of lacking artistic formation. Opera, ballet and concerts
are held here along with an extensive children’s programme.

• Bismarckstrasse 35

• 030 34 38 43 43

Chamäleon-Varieté

The
lack of technology is more than made up for with much wit and ingenuity
by the small, alternative Chamäleon stage. If you are seated in the
front row, you are likely to get pulled onto the stage.

• Rosenthaler Str. 40–1, Hackesche Höfe

• 8pm Tue–Fri, 7pm, 10pm Sat, 7pm Sun

• 030 4000 59 30

Bar jeder Vernunft

This
venue, whose name means “devoid of all reason”, is Berlin’s most
popular comedy theatre. The cabaret offers a humorous and, at times,
romantic programme of songs and chansons,
reviews, cabaret, slapstick and comedy, all under the roof of an
amazing mirror tent dating from the 1920s. Many stars of the
international and German cabaret scene can be seen regularly among the
performers here: for example Tim Fischer, Georgette Dee, the Pfister
Sisters and Gayle Tufts, as well as older stars such as Otto Sander.

• Schaperstr. 24

• (car park Freie Volksbühne)

• Box office open noon–7pm Mon–Sat, 3–7pm Sun & hols

• 030 883 15 82

Deutsches Theater

Performances
at the German Theatre, one of the best German-language venues, include
mainly classic plays in the tradition of Max Reinhardt. Experimental
theatre by young playwrights is performed at the DT Baracke.

• Schumannstr. 13

• 7:30pm daily

• 030 28 44 12 25

Theater des Westens

For two decades, this theatre has been producing its own shows, such as La Cage aux Folles, and now shows guest productions such as Les Misérables and Hair.

• Kantstr. 12

• 7:30pm Tue–Fri, 2:30pm & 7:30pm Sat & Sun

• 01805 44 44

Friedrichstadtpalast

The
long-legged dancers in Friedrichstadtpalast are as popular today as
they were in the 1920s in their legendary former venue, which was
damaged during World War II. Long celebrated as the “world’s greatest
variety show”, the performances have today become even more spirited and
entertaining.

• Friedrichstr. 107

• Box Office 030 23 26 23 26

Hebbel am Ufer

The
Hebbel am Ufer has attained cult status in Berlin, thanks to its modern
and varied programme of concerts, dance and song. Top performers from
around the world appear here.

• Hallesches Ufer 32

• 7:30pm daily

• 030 25 90 04 27

Volksbühne

Frank
Castorf has transformed this former Socialist stage into a theatre,
which has become famous for its classy, and at times controversial
performances.

• Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz

• 030 240 657 77