Haus der Ruhrfestspiele (Umbau)

As early as 195, the town council decided to build a new festival hall after the Städtischer Saalbau had become too small for the Ruhrfestspiele (festival) and was no longer meeting the technical standards required. The site, on the Stadtgarten hill, was also a given.
But for financial reasons, construction was only started in 1961 (laying of the foundation stone on June 3, 1961, by Federal President Dr. h. c. Heinrich Lübke). On June 11, 1965, said president opened the house and for the first time Ruhrfestspielehaus hosted the Ruhrfestspiele productions.
Otto Burrmeister, mentor and artistic director of the festival until 1966, said at the time: “The Ruhrfestspiele hall has the same front and form as the New York State Theatre at Lincoln Center.“
The building was ca. 100 x 64m and in the auditorium seated 1065 people, in the festival hall/grand foyer about 700 people.
Sponsored by the City of Recklinghausen, the hall was also funded by the federal government, the state of North Rhine – Westphalia and Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (confederation of trade unions) .
From 1996 to 1998, Ruhrfestspielhaus was converted into a conference centre under architects Auer & Weber. This conversion included, for example, a modern, lavishly glazed porch. This transparent foyer connects all elements and underscores the visual and spiritual link with the city at the foot of the festival hill.
The conversion turned the building into a multifunctional centre which can host all kinds of events. In addition, it was to change the monumental character of the hall into a transparent and open structure.
Now visitors find a friendly and open ambience. The festival hall features productions by renowned theatres all year long. Drama, opera, operetta, musical and dance here have found a very appropriate venue.

Awards:
Deutscher Architekturpreis 2001 (E.ON Ruhrgas AG), Preisträger
Architekturpreis NRW 2001 (BDA NRW), Preisträger

Author: Editorial baukunst-nrw
Last changed on 14.07.2008

Categories:
Architecture » Public Buildings » Cultural (cinemas, theatres, museums)