Literature and theatre in Düsseldorf

Literature and theatre in Düsseldorf

The birthplace of Heinrich Heine

From Heine to Goethe

When it comes to literature, Düsseldorf can contribute two great names: Heinrich Heine and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The Heinrich-Heine-Institut is dedicated to the life and works of the poet (1797-1856) and a heritage library and numerous exhibitions serve as a reminder of the great son of the city. The spirit of the Goethe era comes alive in the Goethe-Museum. Numerous exhibits illustrate the life and works of the great poet. If you are interested in author readings, you can get further information in the city’s Culture Navigator. The meeting point for author readings is often the Heine Haus, the Literature Centre in the house on Bolkerstraße in the Old Town where the poet was born.

Classical theatre in the Schauspielhaus

Theatre and drama

In addition to its classical repertoire, the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus (Theatre) also stages plays by contemporary playwrights. But if you’re in the mood for light comedy, try your luck at the Theater an der Kö. The Komödie an der Steinstraße is also dedicated to comedy. Among the smaller theatres, the  Theater an der Luegallee in Oberkassel has made a name for itself. The Forum Freies Theater independent theatre presents extremely varied and unconventional material in both of its facilities on Jahnstraße and Kasernenstraße. In the middle of the city centre in an old, renovated cinema, the Savoy Theater regular welcomes greats from cabaret and chanson. Did you know that the history of theatre goes back 400 years in Düsseldorf? This is celebrated at the Theatermuseum (Theatre Museum) in the former Hofgärtnerhaus (Lodge for the Court Gardener).