In the square facing the fairy-tale style palace of the dukes of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, the arts have been given two palaces of their own: the theatre and the museum buildings. The theatre opened on 3 October 1886, successor to a number of earlier theatre buildings in the city, commissioned by Grand duke Friedrich Franz III and designed by Georg Daniel. The architect created a neo-Renaissance facade and a neo-Baroque auditorium with three tiers, seating 540 spectators, as well as noteworthy foyers. On top of the fascinating architec ture, a figuratively painted main curtain, a stage organ and sound machines, all from the late 19th century, have been preserved. The resident repertory company produces plays, operas, operetta, ballet, puppet theatre and plays in the local dialect and performs almost every day.