Did you know that this very building the Kolosseum has hosted elephants? Not just any elephants mind you. This magnificent venue in Luebeck’s St Jurgen district boasts a rich and sometimes surprising history. The Kolosseum wasn’t always the elegant concert and theatre hall we see today. It began life as a simple inn called Freundschaft. This inn dating back to at least the Thirty Years War had a rather unusual name its previous name Poggenpohl referred to a nearby frog pond.
By 1866 a Spiegelsaal a mirror hall was added. Then came the Colosseum itself in 1875. This impressive addition seated 3000 people. It was adorned with Roman-style columns and exquisite stucco work. The building hosted concerts and even plays with a certain elephantine guest appearance in the late 19th century. Architect Julius Grube certified the stage’s elephant-bearing capacity a testament to its structural integrity.
The Kolosseum’s story is full of twists and turns. It changed hands frequently. It even served as a makeshift department store after a devastating air raid in 1942. Imagine the contrast between the elegant concert hall and the everyday bustle of wartime shoppers. The Luebeck theatre used it as a temporary stage for a few years after the war.
A generous bequest from the Dieckmanns in 1958 allowed for a major renovation. The Kolosseum reopened in 1959 with over a thousand seats. It was then considered the most modern concert hall in Northern Germany. Its acoustics were legendary praised even by the renowned Wilhelm Furtwangler who conducted its orchestra early in the 20th century.
Further transformations followed. The 1970s brought a new facade and a reduction in seating. Then came renovations in 2008-2009. These addressed structural damage and modernized the facilities. Today’s Kolosseum seats 520 comfortably. It has excellent acoustics.
In 2023 a bronze bust of Evelinde Trenkner a celebrated pianist and teacher was added to the foyer. This is a testament to the Kolosseum’s ongoing contributions to the city’s cultural life. The Kolosseum hosts around 150 events annually. It continues to attract prominent artists. It showcases a diverse range of performances from classical music to comedy. This venue is more than just a building. It is a living part of Luebeck’s vibrant cultural heritage a place where history and entertainment intertwine.