| Theater for kids & teens | Satire & variety | Theater |
| Opera, concerts & dance | Cultural centers | Musicals |
Theater
Arkadas Theater
This theater focuses on guest inter-cultural productions covering mostly themes such as tolerance and multicultural coexistence.
›› Ehrenfeld, Platenstr. 32, Tel. 9 55 95 10, www.buehnederkulturen.de
Cassiopeia Bühne
Theater company with an emphasis on children’s and youth drama. The slogan of this puppet and authors’ theater is “looking at the present’’ and it consciously tackles pioneering cultural topics on the right bank of the Rhine. Performances take place in a former craft metal workshop.
›› Mülheim, Bergisch Gladbacher Str. 499-501, Tel. 9 37 87 89, www.cassiopeia-buehne.de
Comedia Theater
The Comedia Theater is a true multi-talent that stages challenging drama from comedy to actors’ training and children’s drama. The theater opened in 2009 in Cologne’s south and has two stages. The Wagenhalle restaurant next door allows guests to round off a theater visit with a meal.
›› Neustadt-Süd, Vondelstr. 4-8, Tel. 88 87 72 22, www.comedia-koeln.de
Freies Werkstatt Theater
The theater was founded in 1977 and enriches Cologne’s cultural scene with a fascinating mix of experimental and very lively independent productions.
›› Neustadt-Süd, Zugweg 10, Tel. 32 78 17, www.fwt-koeln.de
Hänneschen Theater
Cologne’s puppet theater was founded in 1802 and is named after its main character, Hans Knoll, known in the Kölsch dialect as “et Hännesche.’’ The folkloric theater stages performances for young and old and is always sold out. Highlight is the Carnival puppet show. Note – the puppets talk in Kölsch, not High German.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Eisenmarkt 2-4, Kartentelefon 2 58 12 01, www.haenneschen.de
Halle Kalk
This is Cologne’s third public theater along with the Schauspielhaus and Schlosserei in the city center. The theater is in the former Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz (KDH) engine factory buildings and mainly stages experimental works that combine documentary, fiction and topical themes.
›› Kalk, Neuburgstr. 1, Tel. 22 12 84 00, www.schauspielkoeln.de
Horizont Theater
Horizont Theater is well established in Cologne’s theater scene and it aims to appeal to a wide audience of all ages – so it has an immensely wide and varied program including classic works, comedy, music theater as well as children’s and youth productions. Even the very young can get an early introduction to the theatrical world in a playful way at the Krabbeltheater (Crawlers Theater) for children aged 2 and up.
›› Altstadt, Thürmchenswall 25, Tel. 13 16 04, www.horizont-theater.de
Metropol Theater
The Metropol Theater has enriched Cologne’s cultural life since March 2011 with a diverse program for children and adults. Mareike Marx, the company director, focuses deliberately on demanding theatrical works and has given the former Severins-Burg-Theater a new lease of life. An additional great idea is that children from low income families who would otherwise not experience the theater are regularly invited to watch performances for free.
›› Neustadt-Süd, Eifelstr. 33, Tel. 32 17 92, www.metropol-theater-koeln.de
Schauspielhaus
Theater buffs can watch productions in the ageing Schauspielhaus building only until the end of the 2010/11 season after which the theater will move to a temporary home in the EXPO XXI hall at Gladbacher Wall for the duration of the three-year comprehensive renovation of the Schauspielhaus. (the exact date of the reopening is still uncertain).
›› Altstadt-Nord, Offenbachplatz
›› Interimsspielstätte: Neustadt-Nord, Halle EXPO XXI am Gladbacher Wall
›› Tel. 22 12 84 00, www.schauspielkoeln.de
Studiobühne
Germany’s oldest university theater and one of Cologne’s leading independent stages. The Studiobühne is known for its experimental productions and a small but good movie program.
›› Sülz, Universitätsstr. 16a, Tel. 4 70 45 13, www.studiobuehne.uni-koeln.de
Theater am Dom
Many German television celebrities take to the stage at this well-liked popular theater, providing great entertainment. Especially in demand are the witty romantic comedies and the comedies of mistaken identity, which allow the stars to show off their full range of comedy talents.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Glockengasse 11, Tel. 2 58 01 53, www.theateramdom.de
Theater der Keller
A lively mix of classic theater plays, contemporary works, refreshingly honest comedies and musical evenings is performed here. Also places great emphasis on promoting new talent and many graduates of the nearby drama school get their first stage experience here.
›› Neustadt-Süd, Kleingedankenstr. 6, Tel. 31 80 59, www.theater-der-keller.de
Theater im Bauturm
The high artistic standards of independent theater are followed with bravura here, true to the principle “always in tune with the times, always serious and wholehearted, never ordinary or superficial.’’ A first-class drama venue with an open-minded audience and a many times winner of Cologne’s best theater award.
›› Porz, Aachener Str. 24-26, Tel. 52 42 42, www.theater-im-bauturm.de
Theaterhaus Köln
Offers drama and cultural shows covering all categories of culture, mainly based on the latest social or sociocultural themes. Has a café and a beer garden.
›› Ehrenfeld, Stammstr. 38-40, Tel. 26 111 50, www.theaterhaus-koeln.de
Theater Tiefrot
The Cologne children’s opera, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2011, offers a great chance to introduce youngsters to the world of musical drama. Productions are geared toward a young audience but can also be thoroughly enjoyed by adults. Well-known fairy tale characters from stories such as Aladdin and His Magic Lamp and Sleeping Beauty can be seen on stage here in productions that impress with their humour, charm and vocal brilliance.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Dagobertstr. 32, Tel. 4 60 09 11, www.theater-tiefrot.de
Volkstheater Millowitsch
This small theater in Ehrenfeld with 99 seats specializes in youth theater productions that adults will also find interesting. Children’s masterpieces such as Peter Pan or Der kleine Häwelmann, a tale about a young boy whose name means pain in the neck, are lovingly staged here, offering youngsters a good introduction to the theater world.
›› Neustadt-Süd, Aachener Str. 5, Tel. 25 17 47, www.millowitsch.de
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Theater for kids & teens
Casamax Theater
Casamax offers imaginative theater for children, also starring children, as well as evening performances for adults. The independent theater won the Cologne children’s theater prize in 2005 and also performs its program in many German towns and cities.
›› Sülz, Berrenrather Str. 177, Tel. 44 76 61, www.casamax-theater.de
Kinderoper
The Cologne children’s opera, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2011, offers a great chance to introduce youngsters to the world of musical drama. Productions are geared toward a young audience but can also be thoroughly enjoyed by adults. Well-known fairy tale characters from stories such as Aladdin and His Magic Lamp and Sleeping Beauty can be seen on stage here in productions that impress with their humour, charm and vocal brilliance.
›› Altstadt-Süd, Altes Pfandhaus, Kartäuserwall 20, Tel. 22 12 84 00, www.kinderoper.info
Kölner Künstler Theater
This small theater in Ehrenfeld with 99 seats specializes in youth theater productions that adults will also find interesting. Children’s masterpieces such as Peter Pan or Der kleine Häwelmann, a tale about a young boy whose name means pain in the neck, are lovingly staged here, offering youngsters a good introduction to the theater world.
›› Ehrenfeld, Stammstr. 8, Tel. 5 10 76 86, www.k-k-t.de
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Satire & variety
Atelier Theater
Cologne’s most important talent spring board where comedians such as Harald Schmidt and Helge Schneider first tried their hand at comedy. Besides talented newcomers, many well-known comedy greats perform here.
›› Neustadt-Süd, Roonstr. 78, Tel. 24 24 85, www.ateliertheater.de
Erstes Kölner Wohnzimmertheater
Light-hearted small theater in the old town that was founded by students and now offers a repertoire of comedy, fringe and satirical theater.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Probsteigasse 21, Tel. 1 30 07 07, www.wohnzimmertheater.de
Klüngelpütz Kabarett Theater
Cologne’s oldest satirical comedy venue with more than 40 years under its belt. Even the names of the sketches performed by the team on the small stage are funny and full of biting satire. Guests stars during the theater’s comedy festival.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Gertrudenstr. 24, Tel. 0 152/04 44 33 68, www.kluengelpuetz.de
Senftöpfchen Theater
This theater is known for its especially caustic contemporary satire and has had its apt name – Senftöpfchen means little mustard pot – in 1959. The venue is among Cologne’s true originals, with over 50 years of experiences staging extraordinarily good fringe theater, satire, transvestite and variety shows.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Große Neugasse 2-4, Tel. 2 58 10 58, www.senftoepfchen-theater.de
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Musicals
Musical Dome
An eye-catching venue very close to Cologne Cathedral. The Musical Dome is the city’s biggest stage and impresses not only with its unusual glass and steel design, but also with its program of forthcoming musicals and dance shows.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Goldgasse 1, Tel. 5 77 90, www.musical-dome.de
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Opera, concerts & dance
Hochschule für Musik
Students of Germany’s biggest music university stage concerts, operas and dance as well as festivals almost every day.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Unter Krahnenbäumen 87, Tel. 9 12 81 80, www.mhs-koeln.de
Kammeroper Köln
The Cologne touring chamber theater company has had its own venue since 2007. Upcoming young performers stage magical children’s operas as well as refreshing operas and operettas for adults in Rodenkirchen.
›› Rodenkirchen, Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 4, Tel. 24 36 12, www.kammeroper-koeln.de
Kinderoper
See Theater für Kids & Teens.
›› Altstadt-Süd, Altes Pfandhaus, Kartäuserwall 20, Tel. 22 12 84 00, www.kinderoper.info
Opernhaus Köln
A limited program of performances takes place at the Opera House during the renovation work, which will last until summer 2015. Despite this, opera fans can look forward to many interesting new stagings in many different theaters in Cologne. These include the Palladium, Aula der Universität, Staatenhaus am Rheinufer. The Cologne opera house is one of Germany’s most important musical venues with a top-class program. You can watch the stars of tomorrow in the opera studio next-door.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Offenbachplatz, www.operkoeln.de
›› Interimsspielstätten: Köln-Mülheim, Schanzenstr., Palladium, Aula der Universität Köln, Staatenhaus am Rheinufer
›› Tel. 22 12 84 00
Philharmonie
Experiencing a classical concert in the Philharmonie is one of Cologne’s cultural highlights. It’s not just the top quality music program that impresses, but also the large concert room, which is built like an amphitheater and guarantees a good viewing and listening experience for the audience. The symphony orchestra of the WDR public TV and radio broadcaster is based here as well as the Cologne Gürzenich orchestra.
›› Altstadt-Nord, Bischofsgartenstr. 1, Tel. 28 02 80, www.koelnmusik.de
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Cultural centers
Bürgerhaus Stollwerck
Cultural center in Südstadt known beyond the region. Its name comes from when it was part of the Stollwerck chocolate factory. Today, the red-brick building has over five floors that are home to children’s and young people’s areas, the Theater 509, events, concerts, parties and the well-known Galerie im Turm tower gallery.
›› Altstadt-Süd, Dreikönigenstr. 23, Tel. 99 11 08-0, www.buergerhausstollwerck.de
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