Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater was built after plans of Herman van Endt as a private theatre, operated by Apollo Theater AG. Located at the site of the demolished Bergisch - Markischer Bahnhof and Koln-Mindener Bahnhof train stations. It was opened on 16th December 1899 with 1,500-seats in orchestra, 650 in first balcony and 850 in second balcony levels. The diameter of the auditorium ceiling dome was 40meters. The colours of the auditorium were white, red and gold, The theatre was equipped with all functions of the contemporary variety stage, including a floatable water basin in the front orchestra stalls. The Apollo Theater was used for theater, opera and operetta performances and as a cinema. From 1921-1925 it was home to the Municiple Theatre Company. In 1925 it was operated by Ufa Theater AG Emil Schilling. There was a major rebuilding in the 1930’s after the plans of Karl Staudt, including a new facade and a sound stystem for movies. The roof was destroyed by Allied bombs during World War II in 1942.

In 1950 the theatre was repaired and modernised to the plans of architects Ernst Huhn & Eduart Schake. It was re-opened in 1950 and as well as being mainly used as a cinema, it also hosted pop concerts, carnival balls & congress meetings. Around 1953 it was equipped with CinemaScope and a 4-channel stereophonic sound system was installed. The E X projectors were by Ernemann.

The Apollo Theater was closed in 1959 and subsequently used as a TV studio. The building was demolished in 1966 and a new building for stores and offices was built, name Apollo Haus.

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