Theatre and music

Discover cultural Dresden. With its long and rich history of art and culture, Dresden is a true jewel of the arts. We recommend six venues – from opera and theatre to entertainment – where you should definitely take a look at their programmes when you visit Dresden. Our concierge team will be happy to advise you and help you organise your tickets.  
 

Semper Opera House

The Semper Opera House is at the cultural heart of Dresden. Named after its creator, Gottfried Semper, the architecturally impressive opera house was originally built in 1838 at Theatre Square, where it was restored and eventually reopened in 1985 in all its original splendour.

The Semper Opera House (the Semperoper) is regarded as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world and is renowned for its incomparable artistic performances. The ensemble and numerous international guest artists constantly contribute to its unique reputation. The Semper Opera House is also home to the Staatskapelle Dresden, one of the world’s leading symphony orchestras since its foundation over 460 years ago. Christian Thielemann has been the principal conductor since August 2012. The State Opera Chorus was founded by Carl Maria von Weber in 1817. Numerous important premieres made operatic history here, such as Richard Wagner’s ″Rienzi″, ″Der fliegenden Holländer″ and ″Tannhäuser″.

The house is inextricably linked to Richard Strauss, as nine of his 15 operas premiered here, including “Salome”, “Der Rosenkavalier” and “Elektra”. After the celebrations for Wagner’s bicentenary in 2013, the Semperoper will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Richard Strauss in the season 2013/14 with a new production of “Elektra”, and his early works “Guntram” and “Feuersnot”, as well as a number of noteworthy revivals. The renowned Semperoper Ballett, led by director Aaron S. Watkin, honours Strauss with a homage showing his “Josephs Legende”.

Contact: Saxon State Opera Dresden | Theaterplatz 2, 01067 Dresden | T +49 351 4911 705

Kraftwerk Mitte

The Kraftwerk Mitte is a former heating power station in the centre of the city, having provided the citizens of Dresden with energy for years. Today the Kraftwerk Mitte offers a cultural mix for young and old and has become the home of numerous cultural institutions. The Staatsoperette Dresden is a musical theatre, opera and theatre under one roof, and is a must for every Dresden holiday. In addition, the Kraftwerk Mitte houses the "teater young generation" as well as a hip discotheque. A visit is worth it.

Culture Palace Dresden

Built in 1969 in the former DDR, the Kulturpalast is today a modern concert hall of international prestige. Since 29 April 2017, the new Kulturpalast has formed the cultural centre of the city of Dresden. With its new concert hall, the new cultural palace forms the backdrop for the world-famous Dresden symphony orchestra. Let yourself be enchanted by breathtaking acoustics.

Furthermore, the Kulturpalast houses the new Central Library and is the new home of the Kabaretttheater "Die Herkuleskeule". At that time it will become a home for the world famous Dresden symphonic Orchestra, a revue theatre and a library. It is build as a place of science and arts and to bring people together.

Theatre boat

For an experience of a special kind, the theatre boat is ready and waiting on the Elbe. The ship departs from the Terrassenufer at Augustusbrücke and starts its entertaining journey with you. In addition to the theatre performances, a ship's bar and the ship's restaurant "Kahnaletto", which serves delicious Italian meals, await you. The result is an unforgettable atmosphere that you are unlikely to forget.

Boulevard Theatre

Founded in 2014, the Boulevard Theatre is now one of the most popular theatre locations in the city of Dresden. The diverse programme attracts young and old to the privately run house. First-class in-house productions are presented in two halls and even musicals and shows find their place in the programme. Don't miss this unique experience - laughter is guaranteed in most cases.

Staatsschauspiel

Today, the Dresden Staatsschauspiel runs two theatres. The Staatsschauspiel in the old town, where operas and ballets were performed in the past, and the small house in the Neustadt, which was an inn at the beginning. Feel free to check out the programme and let yourself be seduced by the traditional art of theatre.

Do you have any questions about Dresden’s sights? Our concierge will be happy to advise you and assist you with the reservation of your tickets.