before being turned into a theatre in the 18th century, the building was used as ballroom and fencing
hall. it was errected in 1721 under ernst friedrich duke of saxony. changes, such as setting back the
northern tiers and the widening of the stage opening, as well well as various enlargements, were
made when the building had to be renovated in 1890/91. the latest changes and additions were made in
the years 1976-1978.
the refurbishment, the renovation and extension of the theatre of hildburghausen was designed
by klaus roth architekten bda with a multipurpose concept. indiviual event spaces can be used by itself or
in connection with others.
the centre is constituted by the historic theatre with its 400 seats – a room with an interior design from
1891, enclosed by a building from 1721. these two time frames are the beginning for this design. exposing
these two and creating a triad together with the new addition is challenge and pretension.
this new extension is planned as an open spacial complex that surrounds the historic buildig organically,
the cascade of galleries pronounce it as an object and make it the centerpiece of the building complex.
the foyer area with its two storey high, transparent enclosure, connects the exterior with the historic core
of the buidling.
the second floor is shifted against the one below to enlarge the spatial complexity and open up different
views on the historic building. in the exterior expression the second level becomes an independant
volume.