Twenty-two thousand seats. Imagine that. This is the Waldbühne Berlin. A giant nestled in the Olympiapark.
The Waldbühne wasn’t always called the Waldbühne. It began life in 1936 as the Dietrich-Eckart-Freilichtbühne. Named after a fervent early supporter of Nazism. This open-air theatre was built for the Olympic Games. Architect Werner March designed it. He was inspired by ancient Greek theatres. The natural ravine of the Murellenschlucht valley formed a perfect natural amphitheatre. The rising tiers of seats improved the acoustics.
The Waldbühne’s opening ceremony featured a performance of Eberhard Wolfgang Müller’s Frankenburger Würfelspiel. It was a Thingspiel a play celebrating Germanic mythology and tradition. This reflected the two reliefs at the entrance. One depicts two male nudes symbolizing national festivals. The other shows two female nudes representing artistic celebrations. The Waldbühne’s purpose wasn’t just entertainment. It served as a Thingplatz a place for Nazi rallies and propaganda events.
After World War II everything changed. The venue was renamed Waldbühne. It became an open-air cinema. Even hosting the Berlinale. Later it saw boxing matches. The 1960s however brought a new chapter. Rock concerts became increasingly popular. But the Rolling Stones’ 1965 concert ended in chaos. Fans rioted causing extensive damage. The Waldbühne remained mostly unused for years. It was finally restored.
Today the Waldbühne is a thriving venue. A beloved cultural space. The characteristic tented roof was added in 1982. It protects the stage and enhances the acoustics. The Berlin Philharmonic performs here annually. Thousands attend. Its summer concerts have been broadcast live since 1992. The Waldbühne has also hosted major international artists. From the Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen and many more. Even a Bundesliga match was once shown live here. The Waldbühne shows the evolution of Berlin. From its dark past to its vibrant present. A stage where history and music intertwine. A must-see for any visitor to Berlin.