Friedenstein Palace, the largest early Baroque palace in Germany, not only houses outstanding art and antiques collections but also a focal point of German theatre history: the Ekhof Theatre. Built in 1681, it presents itself today in a design from 1775 when modern German theatre was born here, as Conrad Ekhof, creator of the realistic style in German acting, served as director of Germany’s first standing repertory company. Fixed days of performance, regular salaries, a growing repertoire, subscriptions, tickets sold to all citizens, state subsidies, and a pension fund were unique assets of this Gotha court theatre. The theatre is preserved today exactly as it was in Ekhof’s time – including the originally preserved stage machinery that springs to action during the Ekhof Festival (July, August).

Visits: Ekhof-Theater & Gotha theatre history exhibition: Tue–Sun 10:00 to 17:00 (April–Oct); 10:00 to 16:00 (Nov–March)

Ekhof-Theater & Gotha theatre history exhibition: Tue–Sun 10:00 to 17:00 (April–Oct); 10:00 to 16:00 (Nov–March)