New Opera Houses

Abstract

Within six weeks of each other two rebuilt German opera-houses opened their doors: on September 4th the East-Berlin Deutsche Staatsoper, Unter den Linden; on October 15th the Hamburgische Staatsoper. Two more contrasting examples of differing architectural approaches are hardly imaginable. These are the facts:The Berlin Staatsoper, erected in 1743 by Frederick the Great through his architect Knobelsdorff and several times unsatisfyingly renovated until it was heavily bombed for the second time in February, 1945, has been rebuilt according to the original plans, except for some alteration of the interior. This means: early classical facades (definitely Prussian in character) with rooms inspired by sober Prussian rococo-elements originating in the Potsdam palaces. The house has plenty of room for halls, staircases, foyers, passages, cloakrooms; the auditorium seats about 1,500 persons, distributed over stalls and three galleries. The impression is one of festive intimacy. Every technical facility for pit and stage has been installed. The stage measures 85 by 75 feet (plus backstage space 38 by 73 feet). Comfortable backstage dressing-rooms have been gained through the removal of all accommodation not directly connected with the actual performance to a separate nearby building. The costs of the rebuilding of the opera-house alone amount to £3 million.