Altes Magazin

Hidden within Hanover’s Südstadt district, the Altes Magazin whispers tales of a bygone era. Originally built between 1894 and 1895, the Altes Magazin wasn’t always a home for children’s laughter and theatrical magic. Architect Ferdinand Ludolff, a student of Conrad Wilhelm Hase, designed this striking red-brick structure. It was commissioned as a “Dekorations-Magazin” for the Royal Court Theatre. Imagine horse-drawn carriages delivering elaborate stage sets, destined for storage within these very walls. The Altes Magazin, with its basilica-like cross-section and soaring ten-meter columns, was a sanctuary for theatrical props, waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Its unique Gothic Revival style, possibly influenced by Hofbaurat Louis Frühling, stands in stark contrast to its original function. The Altes Magazin has witnessed a fascinating evolution. It served its initial purpose, then sat unused for years. It even housed military horses at one point, their hooves echoing through the vast space. During the devastating air raids of World War II, fate smiled upon the Altes Magazin. While the Opera House burned, along with its precious costume collection, the Altes Magazin and its theatrical treasures remained largely untouched. A new chapter began on May 11, 1888, when the Altes Magazin was reborn as a stage. The State Theatre of Hanover premiered Harald Weiss’s play “ADE” within these historic walls. The space, initially only minimally renovated, became a haven for small, experimental, and avant-garde productions. In 1993, the Altes Magazin’s destiny shifted again. It became the home of the Klecks Theatre, a children’s and youth theatre company. Finally, they had a permanent stage to call their own. Soon, the Hannoversche Kammerspiele also found a home here, presenting an evening program. Funding was tight in those early years. There was no thermal insulation for the winter, nor any soundproofing. Imagine the challenges, and yet, the show went on. The Altes Magazin underwent a significant renovation, completed in 2011. Offices, dressing rooms, and even a rehearsal stage were carefully integrated into the building. The renovation respected the historical significance, preserving the unique atmosphere of this grand old space. Today, the Altes Magazin thrives as a beloved venue, hosting both the Klecks Theatre and the Hannoversche Kammerspiele. Its high-ceilinged hall, challenging yet inspiring, continues to provide a unique aesthetic for countless productions. The Altes Magazin is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of the arts.