Wiesbaden has a thriving theatrical culture with a myriad of venues featuring almost every kind of genre. Don’t let the rich cultural experience pass you by. Check out one of the local performances before you leave town.
Hessian State Theater
This Wiesbaden theater is among the most successful in the entire country of Germany. The Hessian State Theater (Christian-Zais-Straße 3) hosts over 800 events every year and ranks sixth in the country as far as highest attendance. All the different genres can be seen at this famous landmark of German culture, from ballet to theater to opera.
The State Theater has several different stages and they are often used simultaneously, performing up to four shows at a time.
Pariser Hoftheater
The Pariser Hoftheater (Schiersteiner Straße 35) is worth a visit simply for its historical value. Set inside an old city hot-springs bath house, it features some fine architecture and lovely photo ops. Inside however, you will be treated to some great performances of cabaret, musicals and comedy.
Künstlerhaus43
The Künstlerhaus43 (Obere Webergasse 43) is the city’s smallest theatrical venue, but by no means should it be avoided. This little Wiesbaden theater hosts interactive dinner plays, improv performances and also offers workshops.
Galli Theater
The Galli Theater (Adelheidstraße 2) specializes in children’s and youth theater. Whether it’s a production of a world-famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale, or a children’s theater workshop, this Wiesbaden theater is great for the kids. But adults aren’t left out entirely! The Galli also hosts many adult comedy shows and character-driven performances.
Velvets Black & Light Theater
The Velvets Black & Light Theater (Schwarzenbergstraße 3) showcases a classical repertoire of puppet, pantomime and marionette performances. These shows are based on the Czech style of black theater. For over a decade, they have been performing such famous tales as Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”
Thalhaus
With its two stages, the Thalhaus (Nerotal 18) specializes in variety theater. Any given night, you can catch a performance of varieté, cabaret, comedy, or independent theater. Some nights, there are concerts of jazz, classical and even tango music.
If that weren’t enough, the Wiesbaden theater also has a gallery of contemporary art about four times a year.
Cineplex Wiesbaden
If you’re not in the mood for higher culture, check out the latest in pop culture with a trip to the movies. German cinemas don’t always play films in English, but if you keep an eye out for the “O.V.,” or “original version,” you might be able to catch the latest blockbuster.
The Cineplex Wiesbaden (Apollo Center, Arkaden and Thalia & Hollywood) will sometimes show movies in their original English language versions.
