The Gelsenkirchen theater and culture scene is always lively and vibrant. With a wide variety of music, opera and theater, you can guarantee there will be plenty of choices for your night out on the town.
New Westphalian Philharmonic
The New Westphalian Philharmonic (Castroper Straße 12c) came into being in 1996 with the merger of Recklinghausen Westphalian Symphony Orchestra and The City of Gelsenkirchen Philharmonic.
The Philharmonic is widely regarded as one of the very best in the region, and with good reason. There is such a vast variety in the schedule that you just never know what you might see (or hear!) with them. Each year, there are nine new symphonies in addition to many different concert events.
The New Westphalian Philharmonic has an effect that reaches deep into the local community. They work closely with children and local choirs to promote the culture of this musical place.
Ruhr Music Theater
Since 1959, this Gelsenkirchen theater has been a fusion of music and art.
The Ruhr Music Theater (Kennedyplatz) features spectacular architecture that was created by the master architects Werner Ruhnau, Harald Deilmann, Ortwin Rave and Max van Hausen. The contrasts of plastic and concrete and dark and light are sure to delight connoisseurs of art and architecture. There are also blue reliefs made by Yves Klein in the upper foyer, one of the highlights of the structure.
But even if you could care less about structural design, the theater still offers plenty to entertain you. Variety is the key here, and you can experience a myriad of musical styles.
Some past shows have highlighted American musicals, Romanticism, and Baroque music. The Ruhr Music Theater has also been the home of the Schindowski Ballet since 1978.
The Flora
The Gelsenkirchen theater Die Flora (Florastraße 26) is another highlight on the city’s cultural scene.
It was one of the first entertainment centers in town dating back to the 1870s with its music hall and theater. In 1995, the Flora moved into its new location, the Landeszentralbank, which boasts over 200 square meters for music, plays, poetry readings and other exhibits.
Apollo Cinemas Multiplex
The Apollo Cinemas Multiplex (Willy-Brandt-Allee 55) features home-grown films as well as Hollywood blockbusters. Be sure to check whether your choice is playing in the original language or not. Many films — even those from the US — are dubbed into German (although quite professionally!).
