Stadttheater Passau

The Stadttheater Passau stands on the banks of the Inn in Lower Bavaria. Built in 1645 as a ballroom for the Prince-Bishop, it later became one of Germany’s first court theatres open to paying citizens. In the 18th century, Prince-Bishop Firmian converted it into a private opera house, and his successor Auersperg opened it to the public. The Hofbaumeister Johann Georg von Hagenauer designed its two-tiered auditorium with painted scenes by Franz Petzka showing hunting, farming and music symbols. A neighbouring Redoutengebäude with a classical facade and grand hall was added at the same time. The theatre has twice changed names and owners, first in 1803 when secularisation transferred it to the Elector of Bavaria, then again in 1883 when the city bought and rebuilt it as the Stadttheater. After a 19th-century remodelling under director Wesselsky, it served as a cinema until 1945. In 1952 the Niederbayerisches Städtebundtheater was founded, making Passau the musical home of the region. Flooding in 2013 damaged the auditorium, yet performances resumed within months. Today the theatre hosts opera, operetta, musicals, concerts and plays. Its own ensemble includes a chorus, soloists and the Niederbayerische Philharmonie led by Generalmusikdirektor Basil H. E. Coleman. The restored historic auditorium with its painted ceilings and movable orchestra pit offers an intimate setting for productions. The adjoining Redoutensaal provides space for receptions and smaller events.