HENN refurbishes and expands iconic Staatstheater Augsburg
The Staatstheater Augsburg, originally built in the 19th century, is undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment and expansion led by HENN. Located in the historic center of Augsburg, Germany, the project is set to restore and update the Grosses Haus (Large House) while introducing two new structures, the Kleines Haus (Small House) and a service building, scheduled for completion by 2030.
The theater, designed by Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer and inaugurated in 1878, has long been a cultural landmark. Wartime destruction necessitated reconstruction of the outer walls in the 1950s, and the surviving historic fabric is now part of the city’s protected architectural heritage. The Grosses Haus is being carefully repaired in coordination with conservation authorities, with upgrades to its stage technology and infrastructure to meet the requirements of contemporary theater operations. Its Neo-Renaissance facade is preserved while integrating modern technical systems.
Staatstheater Augsburg, Kleines Haus | image courtesy of HENN
Redesign emphasizes social and environmental sustainability
HENN’s design positions the Kleines Haus alongside the historic building, creating a dialogue between old and new. With a triangular floor plan and vertical emphasis, the new structure contrasts with the monumentality of the Grosses Haus while maintaining balance within the urban context. Its semi-transparent glass facade, referencing the curves of the Grosses Haus and its theater ceiling, creates a visual connection between the two. The facade is made from regionally sourced recycled glass, allowing views of activity inside and transforming the building into a glowing cultural landmark at night.
The Kleines Haus is conceived as a flexible venue for experimental performance formats and community engagement. The entrance is located in a connecting section between the old and new buildings. A spacious lobby with café, bar, and cloakrooms leads to the main hall on the upper floors, accessed via a central staircase that offers views across the building’s interior levels. A service building at the rear of the site will provide supporting functions, including rehearsal spaces, workshops, a canteen, and offices. Together, these additions will expand the theater’s operational capacity while ensuring long-term cultural relevance. The redevelopment by HENN Studio follows principles of social and environmental sustainability, strengthening the theater’s role as both a heritage landmark and a contemporary cultural hub within Augsburg’s urban fabric.
Grosses Haus before reconstruction, 2018 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
Lobby, before reconstruction, 2018 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
Lobby, before reconstruction, 2018 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
Theater hall, before reconstruction, 2018 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
Theater hall, during reconstruction, 2019 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
Theater hall, during reconstruction, 2019 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
Theater hall, during reconstruction, 2019 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
Stage, during reconstruction, 2019 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
Grosses Haus before reconstruction, 2018 | image courtesy of Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
project info:
name: Staatstheater Augsburg
architects: HENN | @hennarchitecture
location: Augsburg, Germany
photographer: Florian Waadt and Nikolas Hagele
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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