Renovations and Changes

No one ever dared to touch upon the original design of the Festspielhaus, and that is why the present-day facade looks (but not really is) exactly like the original. However, the theatre didn’t remain entirely the same over all this years. It was extensively renovated during the 1960’s and the building was gradually extended to accommodate offices and ateliers.

In 1924-1925, the backstage area was enlarged to accommodate the contemporary three dimensional sets that replaced the old flats. In 1931, a west wing was built to provide space for offices, and 30 years later the east wing was extended for rehearsal rooms.

Hitler, who was a frequent guest at Bayreuth because of his admiration for Wagner’s music and his friendship to Winnifred Wagner, Wagner’s daughter in law, wanted to rebuild the Festspielhaus in a truly monumental style. He had Emil Mewes design this new theatre. It was to become an enormous classical complex reminiscent of the most eminent ancient Greek structures. The outbreak of the Second World War prevented the construction of it.

Between 1958 and 1968, a large-scaled renovation took place, during which the wooden interior frame was replaced by a steel and concrete one, and the exterior was rebuilt of brick and concrete. The work was executed over different phases so the performances didn’t have to be interrupted.

Behind the Festspielhaus new structures for rehearsing purposes arose, and additional space for workshops and storage. There are three large rehearsal stages at Bayreuth nowadays, and one of them is an exact copy of the main stage. Hence, four productions can be rehearsed simultaneously. Furthermore, there is a ballet hall, ateliers, and a circular building erected in 1987 for chorus rehearsals.

The two buildings in front of the theatre that provided food and drinks during intervals have long disappeared. The building on the right hand side was transformed into an orchestra practice room, and rebuild several times. In 1976, it was rebuilt into a glass-and-wood structure.