Starting in 1866, Duke Georg II of Saxe-Meiningen, the “theatre duke”, created a new theatre style with his court theatre company, took it on tour, and caused a sensation all over Europe. “The Meiningers” became synonymous with up-to-date theatre. We can still get an impression of it by way of 275 original, handpainted stage decorations, among them complete stage sets (above: “Wallenstein’s camp”). They were painted in the workshop of the Brueckner brothers in Coburg who also worked for Richard Wagner. The collection is unrivalled in the world and is shown in presentations that change once every year. A film, a light & sound show, original costumes, theatre posters and photographs round off the exhibition. In nearby Elisabethenburg Palace more theatre history is on display, for example the theatre duke’s apartment.

Visits: Tue–Sun 10:00 to 18:00 · Light&Sound show at 10:00,12:00,14:00,16:00 Closed mid-January to mid-February

Tue–Sun 10:00 to 18:00 · Light&Sound show at 10:00,12:00,14:00,16:00 Closed mid-January to mid-February

Meininger Theater · Bernhardstrasse 5 · 98617 Meiningen · www.das-meininger-theater.de Guided tours: on appointment, tel.: +49 (0)3693 451136

· Bernhardstrasse 5 · 98617 Meiningen · on appointment, tel.: +49 (0)3693 451136