Puppet Paradise: Lübeck's KOLK 17 Theater Reopens After a Decade-Long Makeover
- Lübeck Figure Theatre reopens following refurbishment
Let's face it; the grime, clamor, and seismic activities of a renovation project can be a real pain for folks dwelling near St. Petrikirche in Lübeck's old town for the past six long years. But guess what? The agony is over! On a exciting Friday afternoon (4:30 PM), the historical KOLK 17 Puppet Theater & Museum, nestled within five heritage-protected structures, will reopen its doors once more.
Joining forces with Wolfgang Sandberger, chairman of the Possehl Foundation, museum director Antonia Napp, and puppet theater director Stephan Schlafke, Lübeck's mayor, Jan Lindenau (SPD), will lead the grand unveiling of this esteemed cultural institution.
Gala Spectacle Ahead
After marveling at the revamped theater, spectators will be treated to an unforgettable gala performance, according to organizers. Prior to the main event, visitors will be granted exclusive access to the museum for a behind-the-scenes peek. The museum, hailing from a private theater figure collection, and the puppet theater, which took its first bow in 1977, amalgamated to create the KOLK 17 Puppet Theater & Museum in 2021.
The Lübeck Possehl Foundation assumed control of the institution in 2006. Although the foundation has declined to disclose the exact amount spent on the restoration, industry sources estimate the cost to run into the tens of millions. The foundation discovered, to their chagrin, that the building was in far worse shape compared to their initial assessment, with certain sections teetering on the edge of collapse.
From the humble ambition to install an elevator and a rehearsal stage, the project morphed into a sprawling construction site smack-dab in the heart of Lübeck, seamlessly merging the puppet theater and museum.
Word on the Street
Curious minds seeking precise information on the renovation cost might want to contact local authorities or the theater themselves for up-to-date insights on ongoing projects and their financial implications.
- The KOLK 17 Puppet Theater & Museum, located in Lübeck, Germany, has adopted a community policy that includes vocational training in puppetry and theatrical arts, aiming to engage more individuals and perpetuate the art form.
- In cooperation with the Lübeck Possehl Foundation, the KOLK 17 Puppet Theater & Museum has restored a puppet theater, originally established in 1977, within five heritage-protected structures, which have now been transformed into a Puppet Paradise reminiscent of a theater scene from a fairytale.
- As part of the restored KOLK 17 Puppet Theater & Museum, visitors can expect vocational training programs, including behind-the-scenes workshops and demonstrations, showcasing the intricate puppetry techniques that bring the vibrant performances to life.
