Kassel celebrates: Open day in the new INTERIM opera house!

Kassel celebrates: Open day in the new INTERIM opera house!

On November 1, 2025, the Kassel State Theater will open the doors of its new INTERIM opera house. For the population, this heralds a new chapter in the city's theater landscape that is not only temporary but also innovative. The open day will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and visitors can look forward to varied theater tours offered every hour. The special technical possibilities of INTERIM, which serves as a replacement venue during the renovation of the opera house on Friedrichsplatz, will be presented. The free admission tickets are available at the Kassel State Theater box office at Friedrichsplatz 15, while stocks last. If you don't get a ticket, you can still explore some areas of INTERIM with free access.

But why is this new interim building so important? The need for renovation of the upper and lower machinery of the Kassel Opera House was already identified in 2018. After the machines were shut down in the summer of 2023, which significantly restricted stage operations, the pressure to provide a functioning theater and replacement venue grew ever greater. The non-profit housing association of the city of Kassel mbH (GWG) is the investor and developer of the INTERIM. NUSSLI was selected as general contractor as part of a Europe-wide procurement process. What is remarkable, however, is that the city of Kassel rents this temporary structure from the GWG and sublets it to the Kassel State Theater. The state of Hesse will cover 80 percent of the costs for the use of this alternative venue as well as the renovation of the actual opera house.

A look into the future

The renovation of the opera house is scheduled to begin in the 2025/2026 season and is scheduled to last at least five years. The long-term urban development of the former hunter barracks is also underway, with plans to build around 200 new apartments and a neighborhood garage. This redesign is a sign of the sustainable development of the area and the city of Kassel as a whole. The area for the temporary theater building is being made available by the city of Kassel, and at the same time a new technical development of the area is being planned in order to meet the requirements of today's construction and technical standards.

The multifunctional interim venue was built using a modular design, which allows it to be dismantled and potentially reused elsewhere at a later date. Sustainability was a central aspect of the planning from the start. The city's decision-makers are showing a good knack for modern and environmentally friendly solutions.

Theater for all generations

The INTERIM will not only serve as a stage for musical theater, but will also accommodate various other genres that are intended to complement classical art with new impulses. These cultural events appeal to all citizens and offer something for every generation. Opera and dance are not only beautiful things, but also universal art forms that combine language, emotions and sensuality.

The State Theater's efforts to create a wide range of offerings are commendable. Similar to other large theaters, programs are offered for the innovative communication of art and culture. In addition to classic performances, there will also be matinees, hands-on projects for children and various additional offers. Around 450,000 people visit the state theaters in the region every year, and it is precisely these people that we want to offer a home to at INTERIM.

So on November 1st, 2025 it's time to go to the INTERIM and enjoy - an exciting event not just for theater lovers! Whether you have an admission ticket or without, everyone shouldn't miss this new chapter in Kassel's theater landscape.