Step into the world of the Komische Oper Berlin, an acclaimed German opera company nestled on Behrenstraße near Unter den Linden. Famous for specializing in German-language productions of operas, operettas, and musicals, this storied institution offers an extraordinary cultural outing in the heart of Berlin.
Originally opening in 1892 as the "Theater Unter den Linden," the venue has lived through a vibrant history—ranging from premiering famous Franz Lehár operettas featuring Richard Tauber in the late 1920s to surviving World War II bombings and major postwar rebuilds. While its home building modernizes during multi-year renovations starting in August 2023, you can catch the company’s celebrated performances at alternative venues across the city, including the historic Schiller Theater and a unique unused hangar at Berlin Tempelhof Airport.
Founded in its modern form by Walter Felsenstein in 1947, the award-winning company—honored as Opera Company of the Year at the International Opera Awards—continues to push creative boundaries under renowned artistic leadership and music director James Gaffigan. Whether you attend a classic operetta or a groundbreaking world premiere, visiting a Komische Oper Berlin performance promises a fantastic, world-class musical experience.
What to see at Komische Oper Berlin
- Enjoy German-language productions of opera, operettas, and musicals
- Catch innovative stagings at unique off-site venues like the Schiller Theater and Tempelhof Airport hangars
- Experience music from an award-winning company recognized by the International Opera Awards
- See works from a venue with rich historic premieres dating back to Franz Lehár's famous operettas
Visiting tips
Check performance schedules carefully as productions temporarily take place at alternative venues like the Schiller Theater and Tempelhof Airport during building renovations.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Komische Oper Berlin is easy to reach on Berlin’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Zoological Garden. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Berlin travel guide.
See the full Berlin travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.