Ever wonder how a former Krupp factory became a dazzling theater? Here at the Colosseum Theater, Essen’s industrial past meets its vibrant present. This building wasn’t always a stage for musicals. It began as the 8th Mechanical Workshop of the Friedrich Krupp AG.
Imagine this area in 1900. Around 2,000 workers toiled here. They built locomotive frames and crankshafts for ships. This three-aisled industrial hall was a hive of activity.
During World War II, most Krupp industrial buildings were destroyed. The 8th Mechanical Workshop survived. The statue of Alfred Krupp, which once stood where the outer staircase is now, was toppled by bombs. Its inscription read: “The purpose of work shall be the common good. Then work brings blessings. Then work is prayer.” Today, the statue is owned by the Ruhr Museum.
AEG Kanis later rented the factory hall and eventually bought it. They built steam turbines and gas turbines here. From 1983 to 1987, they produced gas turbines for the Siberia-Western Europe pipeline. AEG-Kanis made 47 gas turbines for this project.
In 1991, AEG-Kanis moved its operations. The building was then placed under monument protection. This protection also included the factory railway bridge from 1872 and the former shell turning shop.
Fast forward to January 1993. A workshop decided to transform the old industrial wasteland. The aim was to boost tourism and attract new industries. In July 1994, a concept was presented. The old industrial building was to become a musical theater.
The name “Colosseum Theater” was chosen deliberately. It was meant to evoke the memory of the famous Colosseum variety theater. That theater stood at Essen’s Kopstadtplatz from 1899 to 1929.
Architects Kohl & Kohl converted the building from May 1995 to December 1996. They preserved the old steel structure and glass roof. A stage tower was integrated into the hall. The auditorium was designed as a separate structure within the space.
The foyer is surrounded by suspended galleries. The stage house features historical elements. It also includes modern rigging and lighting bridges. The riveted steel girders and brickwork were cleaned and sealed. Today, the theater hall seats over 1,400 people. The foyer can accommodate around 2,000.
There is also a studio theater, two galleries, and a restaurant. In total, the Colosseum Theater covers about 5,100 square meters. The foyer also exhibits contemporary paintings and sculptures.
From 1996 to 2000, Stella Entertainment AG ran the theater. In August 2000, Stage Entertainment took over. Only the musical “Elisabeth” made a profit.
The Colosseum Theater hosted several musicals between 1996 and 2010. “Elisabeth” and “Aida” premiered in Germany here.
In 2020, the RAG Foundation and E.ON bought the Colosseum. They planned to establish an innovation center there. In 2022, the RAG Foundation’s innovation center was named BRYCK. However, in December 2022, the founder center could not be realized for financial reasons. The Colosseum is now available again for all kinds of events.
So, as you stand here, remember the Colosseum Theater’s journey. From factory floor to theatrical stage, it’s a testament to Essen’s resilience and reinvention.