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Right next to the young people of Stuttgart Nord, Maker City is taking shape—part of the new Stuttgart Rosenstein district.
The first building block will be the interim location of the Württemberg State Theaters on the C1 site near the Wagenhallen.
What is a temporary opera house? And what might a new name for it look like?

The ProWST team designed three activities for the Youth Forum to inform and engage local youth about this significant project in a playful way. Through the VR experience “Factory Run,” the opera quiz “Swipe Check,” and the naming contest “Battle of Names,” the young people were able to approach the topic of the opera house renovation in true gamer style and submit their own name suggestions for the temporary opera house.
The hall at the Kinder- und Jugendhaus Nord was packed, and the young people clearly enjoyed trying out the stations and sharing their own perspectives.
In additional workshops, the youth addressed topics that particularly affect their daily lives: safety in Stuttgart North at night, what works well or poorly with public transportation, as well as favorite spots and problem areas in the neighborhood. In direct dialogue with the Stuttgart Youth Council and the District Council, concerns were openly addressed, questions were asked, and possible solutions for the neighborhood were sought together.

The results of the Youth Forum will be presented on April 27 at the residents’ meeting in Stuttgart North.
The Youth Forum was organized by the Coordination Office for Youth Participation of the State Capital Stuttgart and the Youth Policy Department of the Stadtjugendring Stuttgart e.V.

On construction site C1, surrounding the Wagenhallen, development of the future interim location for the Württemberg State Theaters (WST) and the Maker City for Stuttgart Rosenstein is clearly gaining momentum. Following intensive preparatory work, site development has begun. The temporary opera house serves as the first building block for the new Stuttgart Rosenstein district. In addition, an urban mix is emerging here in which living, working, and creative endeavors are closely intertwined: the neighborhood hub with an energy center, as well as the neighborhoods of the “eco- and social pioneers” and the “pioneers of urban production,” which will eventually tie in with the opera’s use of the space.

Key infrastructure requirements have already been put in place over the past few months. For example, the main drinking water pipeline has been successfully laid, and the route of the local heating network has been revised—an important step, as Maker City will be supplied with local heating, among other things, in the future. A geothermal energy supply has also been secured for the temporary opera house, which will be provided via a geothermal well field at Wagenhallenplatz.

The site will be fully cleared during 2026. This includes the careful relocation of strictly protected species such as the wall lizard, which is expected to be completed by September 2026. From that point on, development work will begin in subarea C1—a crucial phase in which the conceptual plans will gradually be transformed into a physical reality. First, the access roads will be built, connecting the lots and buildings and linking them to essential utility lines such as water, sewer, electricity, and internet. The contracts for road construction, sewer, and utility line installation will be put out to bid and awarded to construction companies—the foundation for construction work to officially begin in September 2026.

A glance at the aerial view of the subarea already reveals the clear structure of the various building sites, which are being developed step by step. Building sites 1 through 3 will initially house the WST’s interim location; once the interim use ends, this area will be further developed for the “Pioneers of Urban Production” neighborhood. The goal here is to create a vibrant urban neighborhood that combines much-needed housing with spaces for production, crafts, and services in an urban setting. Building site 4 plays a central role: this is where the neighborhood hub and the energy center—the infrastructural focal points of the entire site—will be built. On construction sites 5 through 7, meanwhile, the “eco- and social pioneers” neighborhood is taking shape, where new forms of communal living and sustainable coexistence will be tested and established.

Photos: Fabrice Weichelt/City of Stuttgart

The "Winter Wonderland Gingerbread City" exhibition at StadtPalais Stuttgart has been extended until February 1, 2026!

During the pre-Christmas get-together of the communication teams from Stuttgart Rosenstein and ProWST, we recreated the centerpiece of the new Stuttgart Rosenstein district in gingerbread. We are thus joining the emerging gingerbread movement in Stuttgart and are a proud part of the enchanting gingerbread exhibition "Winter Wonderland Gingerbread City" at the StadtPalais – Museum for Stuttgart.
The first floor of the museum will transform into a fragrant winter wonderland until February: Approximately 30 gingerbread models showcase imaginative architecture and well-known Stuttgart landmarks – designed by citizens and ten Stuttgart architectural firms.

With the new Stuttgart Rosenstein district, an 85-hectare space for future development and creativity is being created. The first and central element of the future district will be the temporary opera house (interim venue). Here, the opera and ballet divisions of the Württembergische Staatstheater Stuttgart will perform during the renovation, modernization, and expansion of the historic opera house on the Upper Palace Gardens. After the interim period, the site will be used for the Maker City – an investment in the future of the new district.

On October 31, Giuseppe Verdi's „Aida“ premiered at the new INTERIM of the Staatstheater Kassel – thereby inaugurating a temporary venue designated for at least six years.
One week later, we had the opportunity to meet the team led by Artistic Director Florian Lutz on site.

From the outside, the modular building in the south of Kassel resembles a simple production hall. However, upon entering, an unexpectedly fascinating space unfolds: a modular theater that impresses with its creativity, flexibility, and boldness. The centerpiece is a four-story audience gallery constructed from scaffolding, which is far more than just seating – it becomes part of the staging itself. The stage areas are variable, complemented by an overhead machinery system with 28 hoists, a heavy-duty turntable, and a coverable orchestra pit. The 25 by 50 meter hall can accommodate up to 850 people; it can be utilized as an immersive arena, a classic proscenium stage, a spatial stage, or in a longitudinally oriented stage format. Furthermore, due to its consistent multifunctionality and modular construction, the entire building can be completely dismantled, reassembled at another location, or further developed as needed.

And what makes the INTERIM so artistically unique?

In non-frontal stage designs, the traditional separation between the stage and the audience can be eliminated. Everything is modular, everything is in motion: The stage can be arranged differently for every production; the audience sits in front of it, behind it—or even on the stage itself. Democratic, participatory, and as accessible as possible. Seats on the stage can be booked through the “Adventure Subscription.” They promise a theater of experience, with the excitement of a premiere and a spirit of adventure—and demand is high!

In addition to these inspiring impressions, we particularly note this message:
The Staatstheater Kassel and Stuttgart have very different requirements.
And in discussions with the artistic directorate, it was emphasized: Stuttgart enjoys enormous prestige and renown in the theater industry. Stuttgart is a constant benchmark for the German opera world. Everyone looks to Stuttgart.
This appreciation is both an incentive and a responsibility.

117 years ago, a theater project of international significance was launched in Stuttgart: the construction of what is now the opera house on the Upper Palace Gardens, known as the Littmann-Bau. With the launch of the realization competition for its renovation, modernization, and expansion, a new chapter now begins in the history of the world's largest three-genre theater.

On October 6, the architectural competition for the renovation and modernization of the opera house in Stuttgart commenced. At the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, opposite the Littmann-Bau, the jury approved the competition documents. These documents form the basis for the competition involving 30 participating architectural firms.

The renovation and expansion of the listed Littmann-Bau is the most prominent of a total of three sub-projects, alongside the interim location at the Wagenhallen in Stuttgart-North and the new workshop building in Bad Cannstatt. Following the project resolution for the detailed planning phase of the new workshop building, which was passed by the Stuttgart City Council and the State just a few days ago, the architectural competition for the opera house marks another important milestone for the overall project.

Competition Announcement

An important step for the opera house renovation in Stuttgart has been achieved: The Stuttgart City Council and the State of Baden-Württemberg have passed the project resolution for the new workshop building of the Württembergische Staatstheater (WST) in Bad Cannstatt, to the delight of the project team and Managing Director Christoph Niethammer. This marks the start of the design planning for the first of a total of three sub-projects. The new building will be constructed on the site of the former sugar factory, next to the existing scenery storage facility, and is scheduled for completion in 2030. In the future, all trades relevant to stage design will be united under one roof there – including the paint shop, carpentry, spray booth, and assembly hall. The costs of this technically highly demanding building amount to approximately 127 million Euros, including risk provision and initial equipment for the WST. The costs will be borne equally by the City and the State.

The equipment at the new location complies with the latest standards. Efficient operational processes and current occupational health and safety regulations are ensured for the 80 employees and are a prerequisite for economically sustainable operations.
Christoph Niethammer, Managing Director of ProWST, adds: “As the primary entity responsible for the project, we are delighted to have reached this important milestone on schedule. This was made possible by the excellent and focused collaboration of all stakeholders, especially the Württembergische Staatstheater Stuttgart.”

Press Release: Project Resolution for the New Workshop Building

During the Administrative Board meeting concerning the renovation of the Württembergische Staatstheater (WST), Minister of Science and Arts Petra Olschowski and Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Nopper highlighted the cultural significance of the project. They particularly praised the progress in planning the new workshop building in Bad Cannstatt and in launching the realization competition for the renovation, modernization, and expansion at the main location in the Upper Palace Gardens. Both sub-projects are on schedule according to the preliminary timeline for the overall project, which was presented in November 2024 and reconfirmed at the Administrative Board meeting.
At the same time, they made it clear that a smaller and simpler solution would be necessary for the interim location at the Wagenhallen. The management of ProWST emphasized in this context that a significant reduction in construction costs would only be possible through a substantial reduction in the spatial program and a lowering of standards.
The goal remains an economical and cost-efficient solution that simultaneously safeguards the artistic quality of the ballet and opera divisions and ensures a functional working environment for the WST employees.
ProWST will continue to drive forward the implementation of the renovation project with high professionalism and great commitment.

The guided city tour on July 27, which explored the planned Stuttgart Rosenstein area – including insights into the Maker City and the future temporary venue for opera and ballet – was well-attended despite the rain.
Experts from the City of Stuttgart and ProWST provided on-site updates on the current planning status. Participants gained further understanding of the topography, existing structures, and the future development of the Rosenstein quarter.
A particular highlight concluding the tour was the visit to the construction site for the temporary opera house. During the renovation of the historic Littmann-Bau, the opera and ballet ensembles of the Württemberg State Theatres will find a new home here. Preparatory measures are already underway on the site.
Our project team presented the planned architecture and the specific challenges of this exciting project on location. 

Further details on the route can be found here.

A successful blend of activity, history, and future. This best describes our summer festival this year. Under ideal weather conditions, we commenced our joint hike at Marienplatz along the Blaustrümpflerweg, one of the most picturesque routes around Stuttgart.
A primary highlight was the stop at the Garrison Shooting Lodge. There, an engaging guided tour awaited us through the listed building, which originally served as a shooting lodge for the military in the 19th century. Mr. Schmidhäuser passionately provided fascinating insights into the eventful past of this historic site.
Subsequently, our path led us to the cable car and over Karlshöhe, offering magnificent views, before returning to our starting point. Following a communal lunch break at Marienplatz, the afternoon featured a visit to the InfoTurm Stuttgart (ITS). The subsequent guided tour of the Stuttgart 21 construction site offered exclusive insights into this extensive and complex project.
To conclude, we rounded off the eventful day with refreshing drinks in a relaxed setting on the Theater Terraces at the Opera House.
A day filled with impressions, productive discussions, and team spirit.

Our sincere thanks go to Mr. Schmidhäuser, who facilitated an exclusive guided tour for us.

In early May, the Friends' Association of the Stuttgart State Theatres e.V. visited the C1 area near the Wagenhallen in Stuttgart North, which will serve as the future interim venue for the Württemberg State Theatres Stuttgart.

The newly installed ground marking for the future entrance of the interim venue was particularly impactful for all attendees. During the renovation, modernization, and expansion of the Littmann-Bau in the Upper Palace Gardens, this site will serve as the rehearsal, work, and performance space for the Stuttgart Ballet and Stuttgart State Opera, enabling them to continue their outstanding excellence. The address by Mr. Hendriks, Managing Director of the Württemberg State Theatres Stuttgart, at the prospective entrance was particularly poignant. This marks the realization of an implementation concept, developed over several years, to provide improved working conditions within a modernized and expanded stage operation for the 1,400 employees.

Prior to the site inspection, Christoph Niethammer, Managing Director of ProWST GmbH, provided an overview of the complex overarching project, the 'Opera Renovation.'
Subsequently, Alexander Lange, Managing Director of a+r Architekten GmbH, presented the competition design for the interim venue of the Württemberg State Theatres, which was submitted in collaboration with NL Architects.

It became evident to the audience that this initial sub-project also serves as a foundational element for the emerging Stuttgart Rosenstein district. The Württemberg State Theatres Stuttgart, with their unique cultural prominence, will play a significant role in shaping Stuttgart Rosenstein and, in collaboration with the Kunstverein Wagenhalle E.V., will form the vibrant core and public focal point of the new quarter.

Participants found it noteworthy that only a small portion of the building complex will function as the temporary performance venue, encompassing the stage, stage tower, auditorium, and foyer.
The significantly larger portion will comprise permanent structures, initially housing the rehearsal and production facilities essential for performances, alongside residential units.
Following the ensemble's return to the modernized, renovated, and expanded Littmann-Bau, the interim site will subsequently accommodate further residential units, workshops, and creative businesses.

Our sincere gratitude to all participants for their keen interest and the stimulating discussions held this evening!

Our thanks extend to Mr. Bischoff, Managing Director of Kunstverein Wagenhalle E.V., for his welcoming remarks and for providing the 'Tor 5' space.
Additionally, we thank Mr. Jensen for contributing the expertise of the State Capital of Stuttgart during the site inspection.