Caption
In 1902, the "Marienbad" was originally built as a private bath in the "Art Nouveau" style. In 1924 it was taken over by the City of Freiburg and the bath became public. In 1938 a large hall with an appropriate basin was added. In the early 1970s the bath was closed and for the first time put into service as a theater. Heavy protest by the citizens of Freiburg led to a new start as a bath in 1984 but already in 1985 it was shut down for good. Since 1997 the large hall is being used by the „Kunstverein Freiburg“ (Freiburg Art Association).
Since 1989 the small hall in the “Art Nouveau” style is once again in use as a theatre. It is the stage of the “Freiburger Kinder- und Jugendtheater” (theatre for children and young people of Freiburg). The performances are of the highest artistic quality and you better get your tickets in time.
The theatre in Marienbad has an additional focus on theatre pedagogy. In their own words: “The artistic experience and the joy of one’s own play is enforced by scheduling and post-processing for all theatre pieces in schools and other institutions and projects for pupils and offerings of further education for teachers.“
Now for European standards the history of the Marienbad is a rather short one but still pretty impressive due to its frequent changes of usage. Despite of all these it has always remained a very lively place, one of fun, laughter, enthusiasm and fascination. Plus it is a really beautiful place altogether.