From heritage to future: environmental sustainability guides Staatstheater Augsburg’s renewal

The Staatstheater Augsburg, one of Germany’s most treasured cultural landmarks, is entering a new chapter with a comprehensive refurbishment and expansion led by the HENN architecture firm. Scheduled for completion in 2030, the project seeks to balance heritage preservation with innovation, embedding principles of environmental sustainability into every detail.

HENN architecture bridges past and future

Originally designed by Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer and inaugurated in 1878, the theatre stands as a Neo-Renaissance icon in Augsburg’s historic city center. Over time, war damage and aging infrastructure have highlighted the need for renewal. HENN’s winning proposal responds with a bold vision: restoring the grandeur of the Grosses Haus (Large House) while adding two new structures—the Kleines Haus (Small House) and a service building—that expand the institution’s cultural reach.

The Kleines Haus is envisioned as a luminous cultural stage, opening towards the city like a giant shop window. Its semi-transparent glass façade, shaped from locally sourced recycled glass, will glow at night, turning the building into a beacon of contemporary culture while referencing the curves of the original theatre. By visually echoing the Grosses Haus, the new design fosters a dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Environmental sustainability in design and materials

At the core of the project is a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The façade of the Kleines Haus uses recycled glass sourced from the region, reducing carbon impact while creating a striking architectural identity. Natural light penetrates the structure, minimizing energy consumption during daytime performances and events.

Inside, the layout emphasizes flexibility: a central staircase connects open interior levels, leading to performance halls designed for experimental formats and community use. A spacious lobby with café, bar, and cloakrooms doubles as a welcoming public space. Meanwhile, the service building at the rear will accommodate rehearsal spaces, workshops, a canteen, and administrative offices—ensuring the theatre functions efficiently while limiting the ecological footprint of operations.

A cultural landmark redefined

When complete, the Staatstheater Augsburg will embody more than just renewal—it will stand as a vivid example of how HENN architecture redefines historic spaces with a vision for the future, where cultural heritage and environmental sustainability coexist harmoniously.