Jugendstil-Theater Bad Nauheim

The Art Nouveau theater, the concert garden and the colonnades are three central elements of the spa town of Bad Nauheim, which gained in importance around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. At this time, characterized by the German Empire and the famous Empress Sissi, it was mainly aristocrats and wealthy guests who came to the town. Their stay was not only to promote health, but also for socializing and entertainment. Summer at the spa was characterized by amusement, gossip and political intrigue.

The Art Nouveau theater and the concert garden at the Kurhaus offered a comprehensive entertainment program, especially as Bad Nauheim, unlike many other spas, no longer had a casino. In addition to musical performances, the colonnades offered a place to meet, drink coffee and chat. Guests could even admire the Tsar's family, which was occasionally on display.

The Art Nouveau theater is hidden inside today's Dolce Hotel by Wyndham, which used to be the Kurhaus. The theater hall, which was inaugurated in 1909, extends over 900 square meters and can accommodate 1,400 visitors. The interior, characterized by plain walls and an elaborate coffered ceiling, was completed in the winter months of 1909/10. The figurative Art Nouveau ornaments were created by Cologne painter Gustav Nitsche.

In 1980, the theater was completely destroyed by fire, but it was rebuilt true to the original and reopened in 1985. Today it is considered one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau theaters, which is particularly impressive with its large crystal chandeliers and lamps in the Viennese and Darmstadt Art Nouveau styles.