Bern City Theatre

Stadttheater Bern stands in the heart of Bern as the city’s main opera house and theatre. It occupies a prominent position in the city’s cultural life, running four artistic programmes: the Bern Symphony Orchestra, opera, theatre and dance. The building opened in 1903 and was remodelled between 2015 and 2016 to modernise its spaces and stage technology. The theatre has long been a stage for internationally celebrated singers and conductors. Nicholas Carter became chief conductor in 2021 when the house adopted the name Bühnen Bern. Past performers include Grace Bumbry, Plácido Domingo, Jessye Norman and Maria Schell, alongside conductors such as Nello Santi and directors like Marco Badilatti. Each season brings more than 400 performances and concerts from late August to the following July. The programme mixes classics, new choreographies by Bern’s ballet, world premieres and children’s drama clubs. Rehearsal visits and play introductions give audiences a closer look at the work behind the stage.