Schlosstheater Starnberg

The Castle Theatre

The history of Wittelsbacherstraße 1 in Starnberg is an impressive journey through time. Originally planned as a cinema and opened in 1950, the building was designed by architect Walter Kunze from Starnberg and operated by the Kürzinger family for 18 years. The cinema hall not only served to show films, but was also the home of the Starnberg Theatre from 1961 to 1968. School certificates were presented here, citizens' meetings held and public events organised.

In the late 1960s, however, a transformation took place when the Linse family, who had been running various shops in Starnberg since 1926, turned the building into a shoe shop. For many years it was an important part of the retail trade in the community. Unfortunately, retail challenges in recent years, including the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, led to the shoe store closing its doors in 2023.

But the story took another fascinating turn. In July/August 2023, the Castle Theatre reopened its doors after a Starnberg artists' initiative successfully restored the building to its original purpose. With a vernissage and a grand opening celebration, the reopening met with great approval in the community. The Schlosstheater is now a cultural centre hosting art exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances and many other events. It is also available for private functions such as birthdays and weddings.

This story highlights the amazing adaptability of a building over time and the importance of culture and community in a changing city. The Castle Theatre is a living example of how a place can redefine its purpose over the decades to meet the needs and desires of the community.