Kurtheater with glass foyer

Kurtheater Baden is a theatre in Baden, a spa town in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. Known for its glass-fronted foyer, it is one of the region's best-known examples of postwar theatre architecture and remains a working stage for the town's cultural life.

What is the Kurtheater in Baden?

The theatre stands beside the spa park in a town famous for its thermal baths. It hosts guest productions, concerts and other cultural events, and for decades its silhouette has been associated with a light, transparent entrance pavilion.

Who designed it and when was it built?

The architect was Lisbeth Sachs, who won the 1939 competition for a new theatre in Baden. The outbreak of war delayed construction, and the building opened in March 1952. The project waited more than a decade for realisation, and the result became a notable landmark of mid-century Swiss architecture.

Why is the glass foyer special?

The heart of Sachs' concept is a glazed foyer with a rounded, many-sided plan. It opens toward the surrounding park, so visitors see greenery before they even reach the auditorium. The glass pavilion links interior and garden and gives the building its distinctive, open look. The building is under cantonal heritage protection, which is why its most valuable elements had to be preserved during later work.

How has the theatre been expanded?

In the 1960s the building was extended to plans by Bölsterli and Weidmann. A later and much larger conversion grew out of an architectural competition won by Boesch Architekten. Construction began in 2018 and included a new backstage block, an extended foyer area and improved seismic safety.

What changed after the renovation?

After modernisation the theatre gained a second foyer, called the Neues Foyer, which complements Sachs' historic glass pavilion. The project cost roughly 34 million Swiss francs. Because the building is listed, the auditorium, the cloakroom hall and the small open-air stage could be altered only slightly; the new additions were placed mainly around the protected core.

What should you know before visiting?

• The theatre is in Baden, canton of Aargau, in northern Switzerland.
• Coordinates: about 47.480 N, 8.310 E, next to the spa park.
• The glass foyer is best seen from the park side, where its transparent form is clearest.
• The programme covers theatre, music and other stage events; check the theatre's website for the current schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Kurtheater Baden? Lisbeth Sachs, who won the 1939 competition.

When did the theatre open? In March 1952.

Is the building protected? Yes, it is under heritage protection by the canton of Aargau.

What is the Neues Foyer? A second foyer added in the conversion that began in 2018, alongside the historic glass foyer.

How much did the modernisation cost? Roughly 34 million Swiss francs.

Is it worth seeing if you are not attending a show? Yes, the glass pavilion and the park setting make a pleasant architectural stop on a walk through Baden.