Bern City Theatre

Bern City Theatre (German: Stadttheater Bern, today part of Bühnen Bern) is the main opera house and theatre of the Swiss capital. The neo-baroque building stands on Kornhausplatz in the heart of the Old Town, a short walk from the Zytglogge clock tower and the cathedral spire. It is an easy way to pair sightseeing in the historic centre with an evening of performance.

Where is the theatre and how do I get there?

The building sits on Kornhausplatz, on the line of the main streets of Bern's UNESCO-listed old town, at roughly 46.949° N, 7.448° E. From the main railway station it is usually a walk of around fifteen minutes, and city trams and buses stop nearby. The square itself is a handy landmark while exploring.

When was it built?

The theatre was constructed between 1899 and 1903 to designs by the Bernese architect Albrecht Renatus von Wurstemberger. The client was the joint-stock company Berner Stadt-Theater, which became a cooperative in 1914. At that point the city of Bern took over the property together with its inventory. Today the building belongs to Stadtbauten Bern. City authorities list it alongside the Münster tower and the Parliament building among Bern's landmarks.

How has its name changed, and who performs here?

From the 2011/2012 season through 2020/2021 the organisation operated as Konzert Theater Bern, formed by merging the city theatre with the Bern Symphony Orchestra. In 2021 it became Bühnen Bern. Its work covers four areas: symphony concerts, music theatre (opera), drama and dance. One building can therefore host an opera, a play or a ballet.

Has the building been renovated?

Yes. City documents from 2012–2013 describe the need to renovate the 1903 building about 30 years after its previous refurbishment. According to Wikipedia, a modernisation with significant structural changes took place in 2015–2016. Check the theatre's official site for current information before you plan a visit.

Planning your visit

• Programme and tickets: the repertoire changes each season, so check dates and prices on the official Bühnen Bern website.
• Language: plays are generally performed in German, while opera often comes with translations or surtitles.
• From outside: even without a ticket, the facade and Kornhausplatz are worth a look on the way between the station and the bridge over the Aare.
• Nearby: the Zytglogge, the arcaded Kramgasse and the city's historic fountains are close by.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bern City Theatre the same as Bühnen Bern? Yes. It is the same theatre and institution, previously known as Stadttheater Bern and then Konzert Theater Bern.

When was it built? Construction ran from 1899 to 1903.

Who designed it? The Bernese architect Albrecht Renatus von Wurstemberger.

What kinds of performances can I see? Opera, drama, dance and symphony concerts.

Is it worth going if I do not speak German? Yes, especially for ballet and concerts, which do not depend on language.