Cologne Opera to reopen in September 2026 - Cologne Opera House to Reopen in September 2026 After 14-Year Delay
The long-awaited reopening of the Cologne Opera House has been confirmed for September 2026, following significant delays due to renovation challenges and cost overruns.
The opera house and playhouse have been under renovation since 2012, with initial plans to reopen in 2015. However, the project faced numerous setbacks, including the assumption that modern stage technology could be easily installed in heritage-listed buildings. This led to multiple postponements in the renovation of the stages at Offenbachplatz, forcing the opera to stay in a temporary venue until summer 2026.
The delay in construction was also due to factors such as the need to temporarily house the opera and playhouse in interim venues. Despite these challenges, Cologne's independent mayor, Henriette Reker, has confirmed the reopening date as firm and realistic. All building parts are expected to be structurally completed by the end of the year.
Upon reopening, the Cologne Opera House will boast four theaters: Opera, Playhouse, Small House, and Children's Opera, accommodating around 2,350 spectators simultaneously. A festive ceremony is planned for September 24, 2026, marking the end of a long renovation journey. The construction costs have risen significantly from the initial estimate of 250 million euros to 798 million euros.
Read also:
- Mural at blast site in CDMX commemorates Alicia Matías, sacrificing life for granddaughter's safety
- Is Maruti's reign over the SUV market being challenged by Mahindra's aggressive move to snatch the top spot?
- Social Security Administration Abandons Plan for Electronic Payments: Important Information for Recipients of Benefits
- Increased energy demand counters Trump's pro-fossil fuel strategies, according to APG's infrastructure team.
