The reconstruction

The reconstruction of Munich's Nationaltheater was the birth of the first citizens' initiative of the post-war period - and for the arts: after its foundation in 1951, the Friends of the Nationaltheater made a significant, unmistakable contribution to the re-emergence of cultural and social life in the city of Munich. The result was the reopening of the Nationaltheater on November 21, 1963, which would probably never have come into being in its present form without the sustained commitment of the Friends of the Nationaltheater.  It was an inner need of the founders to bring humane and Christian culture back to light after the spiritual and moral devastation that had been buried under the ruins of inhumanity. From the perspective of the time, the reconstruction of the Nationaltheater was a sign of committed civic will and a statement about the urgent need for cultural education for a society that was finding itself anew.

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From reconstruction to reopening

The reconstruction, largely initiated by the Friends of the Nationaltheater, included a detailed reconstruction of the historic interiors, but was also intended to bring the theater to the forefront of technology. Before the audience at the opening ceremony could enjoy free beer and Munich's beauties could be reflected in the splendor of the foyer, chandeliers were painstakingly installed, silk wallpaper stretched and foyers artistically decorated.

Ceremony for the reopening on 21.11.1963

The Nationaltheater, rebuilt in its former glory, was ceremoniously opened with a ceremony accompanied by music and attended by numerous dignitaries. State director Rudolf Hartmann symbolically accepted the keys. The numerous guests from the worlds of politics, art and business as well as celebrities from all over the world were also seated on chairs on the stage.

Premiere of Frau ohne Schatten for the reopening on 21.11.1963

Richard Strauss, one of the “house gods” of the Bayerische Staatsoper, reopened the new old house: The premiere of Frau ohne Schatten was on the program in a new production by Rudolf Hartmann and with Joseph Keilberth conducting. With a cast that was the envy of the whole world in Munich: Ingrid Bjoner, Inge Borkh, Jess Thomas, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Martha Mödl. Even back then, Kammersängerin Brigitte Fassbaender was there in smaller roles.

Premiere of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg on 23.11.1963

And everyone expects a celebration: of course Richard Wagner was not to be missed as part of the opening festivities. His Meistersinger von Nürnberg, premiered on the spot in 1868, was presented in a new production with a glittering cast. The festival meadow scene in the third act has probably rarely been so deeply felt by the audience!