Cologne's theatre and opera reopen after €800 million renovation

After 14 years of refurbishment work, repeated setbacks, and a price tag more than three times the original what was initially foreseen, Cologne's cultural complex, including a theatre, main opera house and children's opera, reopened over the weekend.

"With the reopening of our theatres, we are giving the city back a central place of meeting, inspiration and artistic freedom that belongs to all people of Cologne," Mayor Torsten Burmester said.

Construction work delayed for years

The opera and theatre in Cologne date back to 1957 and 1962 respectively. They have been undergoing refurbishment since 2012 and the pure construction costs ultimately totalled around €800 million ($918 million) - or more than three times the original budget of €250 million with a planned reopening in 2015.

As the construction dragged on for years, it consumed ever more money and forced the opera and theatre to relocate to other venues.

An extensive programme for visitors, featuring music, dance and hands-on activities, is celebrating the opening. 

The weekend will conclude with a concert at the opera house on Sunday evening. Taking part are the Opera Cologne ensemble, the opera choir, the Gürzenich Orchestra and the band Kasalla.

Next week, the opera and theatre will return to their original home after more than a decade of absence. A ceremonial event is planned for Thursday followed by the opening opera, Richard Strauss' "Der Rosenkavalier" on Sunday.