Lübeck: 9.3 million euros for the first steps in theater renovation!

Lübeck: 9.3 million euros for the first steps in theater renovation!

On September 15, 2025, the building committee of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck approved the long-awaited project plan for the renovation of the Lübeck Theater. The first phase provides for investments of around 9.3 million euros to secure the historic building and maintain gaming operations during the construction work. The plan will be presented to the main committee on September 23rd for a final decision LN Online reported.

But what exactly is behind the planned measures? The need for renovation is enormous, and the estimated costs for a complete repair are up to 217 million euros. However, only 9.3 million euros are available for the initial work, most of which is supported by 4.5 million euros in funding from the federal and state governments. The aim is to make energy improvements, as far as the monument protection permits, and at the same time to carry out overdue maintenance work on the roof, windows and stairs.

Planned renovation measures

The most important measures include:

• Instandsetzung des Daches, da herabstürzende Dachziegel ein ernsthaftes Risiko darstellen.
• Sanierung oder Erneuerung der historischen Außenfenster und -türen von 1908, je nach Schadensgrad.
• Überarbeitung der Stahltreppen, die in den Innenhof führen, um statische Mängel und Korrosionsschäden zu beheben.
• Einbau eines einfahrbaren Treppenelements im Kammerspielsaal zur Verbesserung der Zugänglichkeit für alle Besucher.
• Modernisierung der Geländer und Absturzsicherungen, um die Sicherheit zu erhöhen, ohne die historische Substanz stark eingreifen zu müssen.

The steel stairs in particular are in poor condition and urgently need to be upgraded. In addition, the entrances to windows in the auditorium and stage area are often blocked or walled up. The current measures were developed in close coordination with the monument preservation department so that the historical character of the building is preserved while modern standards can be taken into account, the city administration said in a statement luebeck.de.

The schedule stipulates that the detailed planning will take place in 2026 and the construction work will be carried out from 2027 to 2028. The goal is completion in the first quarter of 2028 so that the theater can shine in its full glory again. However, gaming operations at the Beckergrube will not be possible during this time.

Long-term challenges

The city administration relies on third-party funds and grants to finance the extensive renovation. Although a first step was taken with the approval of some of the necessary measures, the time horizon for the major renovation remains unclear. The city needs political support to plan how LN Online reported.

To draw a comparison: Similar cultural buildings like the theater in Koblenz face similar challenges. There they are planning a comprehensive core renovation, modernizing the technical infrastructure and integrating environmentally friendly systems, as the report by Happold Office emerges. Here too, the preservation of the historical substance is of crucial importance for future use.

The coming months hold a lot of excitement for the Lübeck theater landscape. If everything goes according to plan, the unique cultural site will have a golden future - with a modern face that respects tradition.