Immobilization Order Enforced
The Theatre Museum, nestled within the historic Hofgärtnerhaus on Jägerhofstraße, has been a cultural cornerstone of the city since 1988. However, its future has been a topic of discussion since a council resolution in 2017 decided to relocate the museum. Recently, Sascha Förster, the current director of the Theatre Museum, presented a proposal that aims to transform and revitalise the museum, keeping it in the Hofgärtnerhaus.
Förster's vision for the Theatre Museum revolves around modernising exhibitions, expanding the presentation of the museum's rich collection, integrating with regional cultural programmes, architectural and spatial renovation, and educational outreach.
The modernisation of exhibitions includes the introduction of contemporary, interactive, and multimedia exhibits to make theatre history more engaging and accessible to a broader audience. The expansion of collection presentation aims to better showcase the museum’s theatrical artifacts, costumes, set designs, and historical documents with improved curatorial narrative.
By strengthening the museum’s connection with ongoing theatre performances and cultural events in the region, Förster seeks to create a dynamic cultural hub. Architectural and spatial renovation is also planned, with improvements to visitor experience, including enhanced accessibility, lighting, and spatial organisation.
Educational outreach is a key aspect of Förster’s proposal, with plans to develop programmes, workshops, and partnerships aimed at schools, students, and theatre enthusiasts to foster deeper community engagement.
The proposal, if approved, would turn the Theatre Museum into a lively, innovative space that celebrates theatre arts while making historical material more relevant for contemporary visitors.
The draft resolution for the future use of the Hofgärtnerhaus will be presented to the main and finance committee on September 6 and to the council on September 16. The administration has recommended keeping the Theatre Museum in the Hofgärtnerhaus, a stance supported by the board of the Dumont-Lindemann Archive/Theatre Museum of the city.
Meanwhile, the Forum Freies Theater (FFT) is planned to be located in the KAP1 building, leaving the Theatre Museum in its current home. The Theatre Museum was initially intended to receive new space in the KAP1 building, but Förster's proposal presents a compelling alternative to maintain the museum's historical character while modernising its offerings.
The proposed transformation of the Theatre Museum, led by Sascha Förster, aims to convert it into a lively, innovative home-and-garden for theatre arts, encompassing modern exhibitions, expanded collection presentation, regional cultural collaborations, architectural renovations, and educational outreach. If approved, this policy-and-legislation change will make the museum a more engaging and accessible lighthouse in the city's cultural landscape, appealing to both general-news readers and theatre enthusiasts. The administration, along with the board of the Dumont-Lindemann Archive/Theatre Museum, supports this proposal, providing an alternative to the initial plan of relocating the museum to the KAP1 building.
