Schauspielhaus Zürich (Zürich Playhouse), Zurich

Schauspielhaus Zürich (Zürich Playhouse), Zurich

The Zürich Playhouse (Schauspielhaus) stands as a beacon of theatrical excellence in the German-speaking world. Founded in 1892 with the vision of being a "people's theater," it originally featured a performance space that mainly showcased vaudeville, along with a beer garden and bowling alley. The venue's journey through the arts took a significant turn in 1901 when it was rented by the Zurich Opera as an auxiliary performance space, marking the beginning of its deep-rooted connection with high-caliber theatrical productions.

However, it wasn't until the early 1930s that the Zürich Playhouse truly began to emerge as a powerhouse in the theatrical scene. The influx of renowned actors and directors from Germany and Austria in 1933, fleeing the repressive regimes in their home countries, infused the theater with unprecedented talent and creativity. This transformation allowed it to become the largest free stage in the German-speaking world, a status it achieved because of the strict regulations that stifled performance arts in Germany and Austria at the time.

Post-World War II, the theater solidified its reputation as a pivotal cultural institution within the German-speaking theatrical landscape, a status it has maintained and built upon to this day. The Zürich Playhouse has been lauded for its consistently outstanding performances, earning the title of Theater of the Year in both 2002 and 2003. Its programming spans classical to contemporary works, often including premieres, reflecting its commitment to both tradition and innovation in the arts.

Now with a seating capacity of 750, the theater continues to be a vibrant hub for cultural expression and artistic achievement. The Zürich Playhouse's enduring legacy and ongoing success exemplify its significant role in shaping and enriching the German-speaking world's theatrical heritage.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Zurich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Schauspielhaus Zürich (Zürich Playhouse) on Map

Sight Name: Schauspielhaus Zürich (Zürich Playhouse)
Sight Location: Zurich, Switzerland (See walking tours in Zurich)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Zurich, Switzerland

Create Your Own Walk in Zurich

Create Your Own Walk in Zurich

Creating your own self-guided walk in Zurich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Zurich Introduction Walking Tour

Zurich Introduction Walking Tour

Walking around Zurich is a walk through history. The city was first officially settled by the Romans in 15 BC, who called it Turicum. But there were earlier inhabitants–evidence has been found of settlement that dates back more than six millennia. One of the oldest parts of town is Lindenhof Square, an elevated hill that was one of the earliest sites.

Today Zurich is the largest city in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Zurich Gourmet Tour

Zurich Gourmet Tour

Apart from its high-quality watches, Switzerland is famous for its unique delicacies. The secrets of their making have been preserved for centuries and passed on from father to son. In this respect, it is not at all surprising that a global banking and financial center such as Zurich can be also a haven for food enthusiasts seeking gourmet delights. On this self-guided walk, we invite you to...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Zurich Souvenir Shopping

Zurich Souvenir Shopping

Zurich has no shortage of tourists, and when it comes to souvenirs, there are plenty of options available.

A popular saying goes, "When in Zurich, shop on Bahnhofstrasse." True, in terms of souvenir shopping, this thoroughfare is second to none. Another saying is that “When in Switzerland, buy Swiss-made products.”

Alongside many other things, Bahnhofstrasse is home to...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Old Town Walk

Old Town Walk

The Old Town, or Altstadt (in German), is the historic heart of Zurich which beats on both sides of the Limmat River that runs through it. "Zurich is a city, but Altstadt is a village" – this saying reflects the charming, small-town feel of Old Town Zurich, which stands in contrast to the more modern and cosmopolitan areas of the city.

Bordered by the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Zurich's Historical Churches Tour

Zurich's Historical Churches Tour

The history of Christianity in Zurich is duly reflected in the local churches, found here in abundance. Indeed, Christianity has been the dominant religion of Zurich for many centuries. And while, historically, the city was a center of the Protestant Reformation, today it is home to both Catholic and Protestant communities.

The Swiss Reformed Church is the largest Protestant denomination, but...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


16 Distinctively Swiss Things to Buy in Zurich

16 Distinctively Swiss Things to Buy in Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, and although it may feel like a bustling metropolis, the tranquil essence of the Alps flows fervently through the lively cobblestone streets, the buzzing train station, and the frenzied designer boutiques. Most shops in downtown Zurich open at 9 am and close...