Palace Theatre [Celle]
Schlosstheater Celle
Theatre building in Celle, Germany
theater in Celle, Duitsland
Palace Theatre
No heritage stage machinery The Schlosstheater Celle was founded in 1674 and is the oldest, still working theatre in Germany and the oldest baroque theatre in Europe. It had a main auditorium and a smaller stage, called the Malersaal.
Giuseppe Arighini was an Italian architect of the Baroque period. He was born in Brescia in the 17th century. He built the castle theatre (Schloßtheater) (1670–1674) in Celle Castle in the town of Celle in the German state of Lower Saxony for Duke George William of Brunswick-Lüneburg. This theater was renowned in the first decades of the end of 17th and beginning of 18th century as a center for Francophile music, and was visited by a young Johann Sebastian Bach on his way to Lüneburg.
Built 1670-1674 by Giuseppe Arighini for Duke Georg Wilhelm of Braunschweig-Lüneburg. Probably opened 13 Feb 1674 with the ballet Les amours de Mars et de Vénus. 1690 extension by a second balcony by Giuseppe Arighini. 1772-1774 damaged by French troups, subsequently rebuilt by Johann Dietrich Heumann. 1837 rebuilding by C. A. Vogell. 1855 redecoration by Fleck and Grube. Closed 1859. 1935-1938 renovation. 1966 installation of a studio stage in the Malersaal. 2010-2012 renovations. While the decoration has been altered various times, the basic structure of the original 1674 auditorium is still visible. 330 seats. - 1938-1945 used as a drama theatre. After World War II, occasionally used for guest performances by touring companies. Since 1957, used for drama performances by the resident Celler Schloßtheater company.