Culture in Baden-Baden 

With its 2,500 seats, the Festspielhaus is one of the largest classical music venues in Europe. Its architecture is unique: The auditorium and stage were built on the former tracks of the grand-ducal railway station. Its neoclassical building forms the entrance to the Festspielhaus.

Germany's largest opera house is one of the best places in the world for classical music. The programme impresses, with artists and ensembles such as Anne Sophie Mutter, Anna Netrebko or the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, who headline the annual Easter Festival. The audience can choose between opera, ballet, concerts, jazz evenings, or a musical show. The shows are on almost every day and are an integral part of the private family of patrons. Such tangible solidarity is unique in Europe. The reasons for this? First of all, it has historical roots: The architecture and music breathe the spirit of the great composers and performers of the 19th century who always felt at home in Baden-Baden - Johannes Brahms, Clara Schumann and Richard Wagner to name just a few. The magnificent historic façade of the Festspielhaus, the city's former railway station, opens up into a modern concert building with some of the best acoustics in the world.

Above all, the guest’s well-being is paramount. The service team caters to all wishes. The sophisticated in-house catering is advised and inspired by head chef Harald Wohlfahrt.

Distance from Merkur Hotel to the Festspielhaus: 1.3 km/approx. 15 minutes on foot.

The Kurhaus Baden-Baden: Architectural synthesis of art, centre of Baden-Baden, and the city's landmark all over the world. Simply put, a piece of culture and lifestyle.

Step inside and enjoy the unique elegance of the Belle Epoque. Whether it's a concert, a visit to the casino, a midnight dinner, or a sparkling gala night, the Kurhaus is the glamorous centre of Baden-Baden.

The "Konversationshaus", created in 1821-24 by Friedrich Weinbrenner, offers stylish rooms for your special events.

A relaxing stroll in the well-tended spa garden. Elegant shopping in the small, wonderful shops of the colonnades. This is pure joy! Just around the corner, we invite you to take a seat and listen to the sounds of the Philharmonic Orchestra from the famous concert pavilion in front of the Kurhaus. Afterwards, the excellent cuisine of the Kurhaus restaurant awaits you. And in the early evening at the latest, when the six-armed gas candelabra are traditionally lit by hand, great fortune awaits you in the magnificent halls of the Baden-Baden Casino.

Distance from Merkur Hotel to the Festspielhaus: approx. 500 metres, approx. 6 minutes' walk.

In the Kurhaus, directly adjacent to the well-renowned Casino, you will find one of the highlights of Baden-Baden's nightlife, the dance, music, and cocktail bar EQUIPAGE.

Theatre touches its audience in a variety of ways, and all that is awaiting you at the Baden-Baden Theatre!

The Baden-Baden Theatre, one of the most beautiful theatres in Germany, was built in 1859-1862 by the Parisian architect Charles Dérchy in the style of the Paris Opera. Following a complete renovation, which was completed in 1992, the theatre venue in Goetheplatz is now open to the public with its modern technology.

In this historical setting, the theatre ensemble, under artistic director Kekke Schmidt, offers theatre in three venues. Whether in the impressive large theatre hall, the intimate mirrored foyer, or the TIK, the stage for young theatre, a visit to the Baden-Baden Theatre encourages you to journey into your imagination and invites you to encounter stories and characters that touch and move you.

The programme includes material from the tradition of psychological-realistic literature. Classics in contemporary textual interpretations, works from German and English modernism, and contemporary plays and world premieres, are presented in repertory. In addition, accompanying events, theatre education, and highlights such as the Baden-Württemberg Theatre Days round off the programme.

Distance from Merkur Hotel to the Baden-Baden Theatre: 350 metres approx. 15 minutes’ walk

Today, what began on the 1^st of November, 1854 as an entertaining "Winter orchestra" is now one of Germany's leading orchestras. All of these artists have performed here and achieved outstanding success: from Johann Strauss to Johannes Brahms, Wilhelm Furtwängler and Benjamin Gigli, Placido Domingo and flamenco star Nina Corti.

International tours have led the established ensemble to China and Dubai, among other places. In addition, numerous CD recordings, opera productions, and special programmes have highlighted the orchestra's extremely high level of musical achievement.

And the Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestra is well prepared for the magnificent continuation of its 150-year success story. Find out for yourself at one of the numerous concerts and events in Baden-Baden.