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Even in the late 1990s, it was already clear that the Komische Oper Berlin would be needing renovations. The facility is based on the original construction of 1892, along with the extensive renovation of 1966/67. The building ensemble has seen no major renovation work since then. By 2018, when the auditorium’s ceiling had to be secured with a makeshift safety net because of falling stucco pieces, it was no longer possible to deny the urgent need. This was also underscored by the frequently overloaded power cables, the rusted water pipes, and the antiquated stage equipment, along with the now inadequate rehearsal rooms and the lack of space for education and youth programmes, which have become ever more important. Beyond a complete overhaul of the technical and production capabilities, the area along Glinkastrasse up to Unter den Linden will be graced with inviting new buildings: these will open up the Komische Oper Berlin to the surrounding city in architectural terms as well, reflecting its mission as the ‘opera for everyone’.

The move will happen at the end of the 2022/23 season, meaning in June 2023. In September, the opera house will then be handed over to the City of Berlin.

The auditorium is largely preserved in its original design from 1892, surviving the Second World War mostly intact despite the destruction suffered by the rest of the opera house. This uniquely preserved performance space will need some repair and safety work, but its unmistakable charm will still be maintained!

The Komische Oper Berlin is moving to the Schiller Theatre in Charlottenburg, to do rehearsals and performances. But even during the 2023/23 season, it was already presenting productions both big and small at various sites around the city. During the renovation period, the Komische Oper will not be limited to a single venue, but will also show up at various locations across Berlin, including Tempelhof Airport, the former Kindl Brewery, and the Rotes Rathaus, as well as the city’s many local neighbourhoods. This sojourn from our home base presents a unique opportunity to experience music theatre in an entirely new way.

The expenses specified in the 2017 programme of needs have been reviewed and adjusted according to the findings of the preliminary design phase. With the assessment of the preliminary design documents (April 2023), it’s now possible to provide a more concrete budget figure. The submitted cost estimate for the construction project is currently 478 million euros. In the next stage, the construction planning documents will be drawn up, further refining the plans contained in the preliminary design documents.