City Council Grants Additional Approval for New Opera House Development in Düsseldorf
Loosening the Curtain on Düsseldorf's Opera Controversy
Here's the lowdown on the ongoing tussle regarding the Deutsche Oper am Rhein (DOA) in Düsseldorf. The Greens, differing from their coalition partner CDU, believe that dedicating resources to a grandiose project like the opera, when urgent investments are needed in areas like housing and education, is premature. The SPD, on the other hand, has a deal with Mayor Stephan Keller, and they're in favor of the plans, provided more affordable housing is created simultaneously. THE LEFT advocates for refurbishing the existing opera building, vehemently opposing a new construction. The FDP feels the refurbishment isn't a solution and pushes for a new construction.
Last Thursday's council meeting didn't lead to a swift vote on the topic, despite a packed schedule. For over two hours, the parties hurled criticisms at each other's opinions, hinting that while everything had been discussed, not everyone had had their time to speak.
In the end, the vote unfolded as expected: In opposition to the votes of Alliance 90/The Greens, THE LEFT, 2 votes from The PARTEI-Klima faction, AfD, Animal Protection - Free Voters, SPD councilors Rasp and Volkenrath, the administrative proposal was adopted.
This decision opens the path for an architectural competition for the opera house, slated to be built at the Heinrich-Heine-Allee location, a preliminary study for the interim play venue, and the transfer of planning and construction tasks to the municipal subsidiary Immobilien Projekt Management Düsseldorf GmbH (IPM). Approximately 4.15 million euros have been allocated for this initial step, with 2.84 million earmarked for 2023 and an additional 1.31 million set aside for 2024.
In 2024, an architectural competition for the new construction will take place, with results expected in 2025. The final decision on the financing for the new construction is tentatively scheduled for early 2028.
The Pursuit of an Interim Solution
The resolution for the necessity of an interim play venue is anticipated at the beginning of next year, considering the estimated five-year duration for demolition and construction. With performances ongoing at existing venues like the Opernhaus Düsseldorf and Mercatorhalle in Duisburg, this temporary venue is vital for this period. The SPD has suggested a supplementary motion, which has been accepted by the majority. To ditch the elitist image of the opera and foster a connection with all cultural contributors, they propose relying on existing venues within Düsseldorf and its surroundings as the temporary play venue. This move would save money and afford the opportunity to reinvent the opera as an open and inclusive venue. The administration is tasked with creating a preliminary study for an interim play venue.
As for the location, cost, and timeline of the interim venue, specific details are scarce, but performances are being held at other venues while the renovations and expansions continue[1][2]. Keep an eye out for updates on this dynamic situation!
[1] https://www.dw.com/en/renovations-and-rebranding-düsseldorf-s-opera-gets-a-facelift/a-53559088[2] http://www.deutscher-ballettag.de/deutscher-ballettag2025.html
Politics and general news regarding the ongoing debate over the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf include disagreements on allocating resources for the grandiose project amidst urgent needs in housing and education, discussions on refurbishing or constructing a new opera house, and the proposal to use existing venues as a temporary play venue to foster inclusivity. The SPD, having accepted a supplementary motion, intends to study the feasibility of utilizing existing venues in Düsseldorf as a temporary play venue, aiming to reinvent the opera and step away from its elitist image. This decision comes as a part of the resolution for the need of an interim play venue, given the scheduled five-year duration for demolition and construction.
