The building is located on Friedrichstraße, known as an entertainment strip since around 1900. The “New Friedrichstadtpalast“ was built to replace the “Old Friedrichstadtpalast“, the former Great Theater, closed in 1980 due to its state of disrepair.

The location to serve as the spot for the new building was a plot that used to be occupied by a barracks in the 18th century, later to be replaced by a finance office. The barracks was destroyed in the bombings at the end of World War II, its foundation then used for the circus arena of the former Circus Barlay from 1949 to 1960. After that, construction of Friedrichstadtpalast was commenced on a section of this plot, leading to its reopening in 1984. The new Palast building is a concrete construction on a rectangular foundation and stands out due to its structured front elements divided by round arches.

The hall can accommodate 1,895 guests and features the largest theater stage in the world with 2,800 square meters of performing space. It attracts 550,000 visitors to the building each year, making it one of the most famous stages in Berlin. Friedrichstadtpalast is internationally renowned for its ballet compagnie of 60 men and women, its Palast orchestra and the world’s only children’s revue. Also unique in the world is the so-called „rain curtain“, which can make it rain shapes and words using various valves, LED ribbons creating a colorful display, as well as more than 1,200 spotlights, ten large video projectors and 150 moving lights.

The Berlinale marked the first time for film premieres to take place at Friedrichstadtpalast, and it will again serve as the venue for next year’s 60th anniversary of the International Film Festivals.

The show presently performed at the Palast is called Qi and considered in internal circles to be one of the best shows in a long time. Embedded in a swirl of colors, costumes and music, you will experience show performances from all over the world.