But the gleaming white, gently and organically curved building was starting to age. On the one hand, its structural condition was no longer that of a modern theatre and, on the other hand, structural mistakes had led to defects in the roof and façade. It was therefore the task of the Düsseldorf firm ingenhoven architects to redevelop it comprehensively, while at the same time restoring its appearance to its original state.

A major challenge was the façade made of up to 16-metre-long steel sections without butt joints, which were fastened to the structure with a special clamp specially manufactured by Thyssen. As redevelopment was not advisable here, all elements were completely reconstructed and replaced using modern methods and materials – and the effect formerly desired by the architect Pfau was fully achieved again. The Ingenhoven team removed only those elements that had been added at a later point in time, such as the ticket booth in front of the building.

In addition to the building envelope, all interior areas relevant to the public were also renovated, with the exception of the two theatre halls, which had been redeveloped only about ten years ago. But the spectacular foyer below the supporting structure of the main auditorium, the stairways and the cloakroom areas received a thorough facelift, including furnishing and lighting. The revised design still relies on the high-quality natural stone floors, combined with warm wooden tones and emphasised by bold colours and black. The switches and socket outlets of the Gira Esprit Linoleum-Multiplex design line, which combine high-quality materials with a distinguished modern look, are a perfect match. The Düsseldorf structural and cultural icon is now ready again for its sophisticated audience.