Basler Marionettentheater

Basler Marionettentheater is a marionette theatre in Basel, Switzerland, housed in a historic cellar at Münsterplatz 8, right beside the cathedral. It is described as the city's oldest cellar theatre and makes a charming change of pace from Basel's museums.

How did the theatre begin?

The company was founded in 1943 by Richard Koelner (1904–1993), a Basel native and self-taught puppeteer. It officially opened on 27 March 1944 at the Kunsthalle in Basel with a puppet staging of Simrock's "Faust". For its first years the troupe had no permanent home and played in various venues, including the St. Alban area.

Where is the theatre?

The company settled in the mid-1950s in a medieval cellar known as the Zehntenkeller at Münsterplatz 8. The vaulted space belongs to the premises of the Allgemeine Lesegesellschaft and is regarded as one of the most beautiful cellar vaults in Basel. Besides the auditorium, the building also holds the workshop where the puppets are made and maintained.

What else is worth knowing about its history?

In 1983 Koelner handed over the direction to his assistant, Wolfgang Burn. Since 1997 the theatre has been supported by the Stiftung Basler Marionetten Theater, a foundation whose aim is to keep performances going in the Zehntenkeller. The theatre also belongs to the wider international world of puppetry, in which the Swiss marionette tradition has its place.

Who are the shows for?

Classic stories and dramas have been part of the repertoire since the start, and over time programmes for younger audiences have joined them. Marionettes worked on strings demand great precision from the puppeteers, and the intimate cellar stage puts spectators close to the action. Check the theatre's official website for the current programme and show times.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Basler Marionettentheater? In Basel at Münsterplatz 8, in the Zehntenkeller cellar near the cathedral (Münster).

Who founded it? Richard Koelner, a self-taught Basel puppeteer, in 1943; the first performance took place in March 1944.

Is it only for children? No. The repertoire includes classic dramas as well as family productions, so check which show suits you.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? The hall is small, so booking ahead is sensible, especially for popular titles and at weekends.