Special moments

27 January
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
This opera buffa explores the tension between power and desire and thus deals with a subject that is still as relevant today as it was before. Pride, fury, cunning, melancholy, vulnerability, emotional dependence and the ability to forgive: Mozart and Da Ponte make the depths of the human soul visible and audible.
WHEN: Première 27. 1., 730 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck Theatre, Großes Haus
ADMISSION: € 11 – 61
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

3 February
BOMB
Variations on refusal – Maya Arad Yasur refuses to provide answers or simple truths in »BOMB«. Rather she concentrates on telling stories, on the pulling power they engender and the traces they leave behind after the curtain has fallen, the museum is dark or the film has ended.
WHEN: Première 3. 2., 8 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck Theatre, Kammerspiele
ADMISSION: € 11 – 40
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

4 February
THE METAMORPHOSIS
In spite of myriad interpretations, Kafka’s story has lost none of its mystique and thus constantly inspires artists of all kinds anew. Member of the ensemble, Sonja Cariaso, and musician and composer Thomas Leboeg embark on a musical search for clues to Gregor Samsa’s metamorphosis.
WHEN: Première 4. 2., 8 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck Theatre, Studio
ADMISSION: € 11 – 19
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

11 February
FRANKENSTEIN
Mary Shelley’s novel was a major success no sooner than published, success that endures to this day. Since its appropriation by the popular media, the depths to which the figures sink have often been smoothed out. But their terrifying aspects remain as they are rooted in the deep anguish and inner turmoil of the creator and his creature.
WHEN: Première 11. 2., 730 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck Theatre, Großes Haus
ADMISSION: € 10 – 53
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

18 February
RE:MAPPING LÜBECK | A CITY MAP AS A MIND MAP TO BE EXPLORED
The sights that transcend the usual attractions are explored here. Collections of Lübeck stories invite those interested to explore the Hanseatic City through its multifaceted points of entry.
WHEN: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Presentations with city tours
WHERE: Kulturfunke Quarter, Krähenstraße 32-34
ADMISSION: € 2 – 10 incl. city map
INFO: remapping-luebeck.de

23 February
IMPROV SHOW WITH INSTANT SL
Thrilling improvisation theatre awaits you as the supporting programme to the special exhibition “Guter Stoff” (Good Material).
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: European Hansemuseum, La Rochelle Room
ADMISSION: € 12 l € 10 (discounted tickets only online)
INFO: hansemuseum.eu

February
GROSSE KIESAU LITERATURE NIGHT
Readings and round-table discussions in Old Town private houses – a first-hand and wonderfully cosy literary experience
WHEN: various times
WHERE: in different private houses in Lübeck’s Old Town
ADMISSION: see website
INFO: grosse-kiesau.de

10 March
ALBERT HERRING
Benjamin Britten’s comic chamber opera fizzes with musical wit and British humour. In his production, Stephen Lawless tells a tale of double standards and hidden sexuality, spiritual and sexual liberation and a ripple of hope.
WHEN: Première 10. 3., 730 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck Theatre, Großes Haus
ADMISSION: € 10 – 53
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

30 March
STERBEN HELFEN (HELP TO DIE)
Lucy, manager and mother, lives with her partner in a liberal society in which dying is made easy: Every newborn is given a personal poison inhaler which they can use to gently depart this life. But when Lucy is diagnosed with terminal cancer, she refuses to use it.
WHEN: Première 30. 3., 730 p.m.
WHERE: Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck
ADMISSION: tba
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

6 April
A CONCISE HISTORY OF FUTURE CHINA
In “A Concise History of Future China”, author Pat To Yan from Hong Kong has created a universal story on the question of what humanity means. In the story, a father and his son each embark on a journey, separated by a lifespan and in opposite directions.
WHEN: Première 6. 4., 8 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck Theatre, Kammerspiele
ADMISSION: € 11 – 40
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

6 – 14 May
BRAHMS FESTIVAL “Dialogues”
This famous music festival impresses audiences with numerous concerts featuring lecturers and students of the Lübeck Academy of Music at different venues: Symphony concerts, chamber music, New Music, lunchtime concerts and much more besides.
WHEN: Opening concert 6.5. 7.30 p.m.
WHERE: various venues in Lübeck
ADMISSION: € 5 – 30
INFO: brahms-festival.de

12 May
SIMON BOCCANEGRA
A family drama against the backdrop of political tensions Simon Boccanegra experiences happiness in service and war but no family happiness. An ode to the sea, to Italian unity and the size of a loving heart.
WHEN: Première 12. 5., 730 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck Theatre, Großes Haus
ADMISSION: € 11 – 61
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

13 and 14 May
OPEN STUDIOS
Visual artists open their studio doors and offer insights into their way of working and studio situations.
WHEN: 12 noon to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck’s city centre as well as further districts
ADMISSION: free
INFO: gemeinschaft-luebecker-kuenstler.de

21 May
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY
This year, International Museum Day is held under the theme of “Discovering the Joy of Museums”. With their broad thematic range, diverse offerings and innovative ideas, the museums make a major contribution to our cultural and social lives.
WHEN: various times
WHERE: Lübeck’s museums
ADMISSION: free, discounted price in the European Hansemuseum
INFO: die-luebecker-museen.de, hansemuseum.eu

21 May
MUSEUM FESTIVAL
The Museum Festival in the European Hansemuseum to mark International Museum Day entices visitors with a colourful programme for young and old.
WHEN: 10 – 6 p.m.
WHERE: European Hansemuseum
ADMISSION: free
INFO: hansemuseum.eu

27 – 29 May
SUPERKUNSTFESTIVAL (SUPER ARTS FESTIVAL)
Three days, five stages, 80 shows, 30,000 fans: music, theatre, circus and art make Germany’s largest, inclusive festival an all-round experience.
WHEN: various times
WHERE: Campus of Vorwerker Diakonie gGmbH
ADMISSION: from € 29
INFO: superkunstfestival.de

17 and 18 July
UNTER DEM AHORNBAUM (UNDER THE MAPLE TREE)
Motto: PartyZipation! A two-day festival will be held in the grounds of the European Hansemuseum with cultural acts by Lübeck artists in dialogue with cultural stakeholders of the Hanseatic City of Gdańsk as well as the participation of visitors.
WHEN: Sat. 2 p.m – 1130 p.m. l Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Grounds of the European Hansemuseum
ADMISSION: free
INFO: hansemuseum.eu

24 June
THE EMIGRANTS
Author Sławomir Mrożek who died in 2013 is one of Poland’s best-known playwrights. In 1974, he published an intense, intimate play in the shape of “The Emigrants” that simmers with cleverly observed portraits and artful dialogues.
WHEN: Première 24. 6., 8 p.m.
WHERE: Lübeck Theatre, Studio
ADMISSION: € 11 – 19
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

30 June
ROMEO AND JULIET
Verona at the start of the 15th century. Romeo and Juliet come from feuding families but nevertheless they are in love with each other. When Romeo has to flee due to a duel and Juliet is threatened with a forced marriage to a rich count, they resolve to flee together. But due to a tragic misunderstanding, their plan finally ends in death.
WHEN: Première 30. 6., 8 p.m.
WHERE: Open air stage
ADMISSION: € 11 – 40
INFO: theaterluebeck.de

1 July
Soloists concert
Students at the Lübeck Academy of Music (MHL) give virtuoso solo performances accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck.
WHEN: 1. 7., 730 p.m.
WHERE: MHL, Großer Saal
ADMISSION: € 14 – 19 (discounted price € 8 – 12)
INFO: mh-luebeck.de

5 – 9 July
LÜBECK URBAN ART FESTIVAL
At the first Urban Art Festival in Lübeck, internationally renowned artists will design monumental works of art on the surfaces of walls. The wide-ranging art will be created in several districts on a decentralised basis and it will involve local neighbourhoods. A supporting programme on urban culture in collaboration with the regional scene will provide the framework for the festival, focusing in particular on creative workshops for children and adolescents as well as events featuring hip-hop or skateboarding.
WHEN: all day
WHERE: Lübeck’s city centre as well as further districts
ADMISSION: free
INFO: tba

8 and 9 July
MHL POP REVUE
Around 80 students from different courses will create a spectacular fireworks display at the annual, legendary MHL Pop Revue under the direction of Bernd Ruf.
WHEN: 8. 7. 730 p.m. l 9. 7. 5 p.m.
WHERE: MHL, Großer Saal
ADMISSION: € 14 – 19 (discounted price € 8 – 12)
INFO: mh-luebeck.de

4 – 13 August
DUCKSTEIN FESTIVAL
A colourful music programme, international street theatre and regional cuisine enliven Traveufer on the bank of the Trave river.
WHEN: see website
WHERE: Traveufer
ADMISSION: free
INFO: duckstein-festival.de

27 August
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN MUSIC FESTIVAL
The major festival finale: Handel’s epic oratorio “The Messiah” with the famous “Hallelujah Chorus” will provide this year’s inspiration for the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Choir made up of over a hundred ambitious volunteer singers.
WHEN: 730 p.m.
WHERE: Musik- und Kongresshalle Lübeck (Music and Congress Centre Lübeck)
ADMISSION: € 26 – 69
INFO: shmf.de

26 August
LÜBECK MUSEUM NIGHT
Lübeck’s museums, galleries and cultural institutions such as the Brahms Institute, the Overbeck Society and St. Peter’s Church will open their doors until midnight. A varied programme awaits visitors at around 30 locations, ranging from live music to theatre performances.
WHEN: from 6 p.m.
WHERE: various cultural institutions
ADMISSION: see website
INFO: die-luebecker-museen.de

7 – 10 September
TRAVE JAZZ FESTIVAL
This live music event combines the genres of jazz, funk and soul. The programme features internationally and nationally established artists.
WHEN: various times
WHERE: various locations in Lübeck’s Old Town
ADMISSION: see website
INFO: travejazz.de

10 September
OPEN MONUMENT DAY
Under the motto “Cultural Clues. A Case for the Heritage Society”, you can search for clues and investigate the history and stories surrounding monuments.
WHEN: all day
WHERE: various locations in Lübeck
ADMISSION: free
INFO: tag-des-offenen-denkmals.de

23 September
LÜBECK THEATRE NIGHT
During theatre night, Lübeck’s theatres and ensembles present their new productions for the coming season. Entertaining excerpts and special programmes will be performed in the theatres as well as in unusual venues.
WHEN: 4 p.m. – 12 midnight
WHERE: Theatres, various venues, open air locations
ADMISSION: adults € 11 l reduced € 8 l children under 14 are free
INFO: luebeck.de/theaternacht

31 October – 5 November
NORDIC FILM DAYS LÜBECK
With its unique focus on Nordic and Baltic film art, the Nordic Film Days Lübeck have established themselves as a film festival of international stature.
WHEN: various times
WHERE: various venues in Lübeck
ADMISSION: see website
INFO: nordische-filmtage.de

CHRISTMAS CITY OF THE NORTH
Lübeck richly deserves the title of “Christmas City of the North”, as during Advent, the Old Town is transformed into a bright sea of lights, enchanting visitors with its unique Christmas and crafts markets. Craftsmen and women showcase their works in the shining white naves of St. Peter's Church, the 12th-century Hospital of the Holy Spirit and in the Hoghehus, while festive organ music resonates through the churches of Lübeck.

You can find detailed information on the Christmas markets and numerous other cultural highlights during Advent here:
luebecker-weihnachtsmarkt.de

European Hansemuseum
until 23 April
GOOD MATERIAL – TEXTILE WORLDS FROM HANSEATIC TIMES UNTIL TODAY
This special exhibition takes a look back to Hanseatic times when merchants traded textiles throughout Northern Europe. It shows the all-pervading influence of textiles on society in those days. Debates about sustainability, waste, fair work and product quality are timeless, however, and so the focus also shifts to the present day and future of the textile industry. How can a fair, healthy world and the need for textiles be reconciled? And what does the future of textiles and fashion look like?
WHEN: daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (24.12. closed)
ADMISSION: adults € 10 l reduced € 5 l children under 18 free (tickets can be booked online)
WHERE: European Hansemuseum
INFO: guterstoff.hansemuseum.eu

Supporting programme for the special exhibition
10 January, 6 p.m.
Talk: Trade, Money & Politics “Of houses, spices and beautiful fabrics - the archaeology of trade in Lübeck”
Dr. Dirk Rieger (Lübeck)
From the early merchants’ houses of the 12 century, exotic spices to the fashionable robes of the late Middle Ages and the modern era – the archaeology of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck takes you on a journey to the time of early globalisation offering “good material” for comparisons with our own era.

12 February, 5 March, 23 April each at 12 noon
Workshop: “Making new from old – textile upcycling with Selfmade”
Tickets can be booked online

23 February, 7 p.m.
Improvisational theatre: Improv show with Instant.SL
€ 12 l € 10 reduced, tickets available in the online shop
Venue: La Rochelle Room 

4 March, 11 a.m.
Workshop: Hand spinning for beginners
Tickets can be booked online

6 to 8 March
Conference: “Interwoven Societies”
Against the background of the special exhibition “Good Material”, the Hansemuseum is extending invitations to an international conference on pre-modern Europe in the first Age of Commercialisation (14th to 18th century). Together with academics from all over Europe, the aim is to link developments in Hanseatic times and the region to other textile economies. Those interested are invited to attend the English language talks live or by live stream. For information on the programme on the website of the Research Centre for Hanse and Baltic History, please go to: fgho.eu

18 April, 6 p.m.
Talk: “Trade, Money & Politics: Imported luxury: Fine goods in North Western Europe in the late Middle Ages”
Dr. Thomas Ertl (Berlin)
Trade links within Europe and beyond in the late Middle Ages ensured that the range of goods on offer became ever more diverse. The intention in the talk is to offer an insight into the wide-ranging product world, linked to the question of who could afford what. Textiles but also pepper and leopards play an eminent role in the process.

Behnhaus-Drägerhaus Museum
1 January to 31 December
BUDDENBROOKS IN THE BEHNHAUS
The Buddenbrook House has closed its doors for the comprehensive renovation of the house and overhaul of the exhibition, and the Buddenbrooks are using this as an opportunity to present themselves in Lübeck’s town mansion, the Behnhaus.
ADMISSION: € 4 – 8
INFO: buddenbrookhaus.de

from 31 March
HOPE AT THE END OF THE WORLD: FROM TIERRA DEL FUEGO TO EASTER ISLAND
The Ethnographic Collection in a guest appearance at the Museum for Natural History and the Environment
ADMISSION: € 4 – 8
INFO: museum-behnhaus-draegerhaus.de

23 April to 31 August
GOTHMUND
ADMISSION: € 4 – 8
INFO: museum-behnhaus-draegerhaus.de

14 July to 15 October
MEHR LICHT.(MORE LIGHT) THE INVENTION OF NATURE
ADMISSION: € 4 – 8
INFO: museum-behnhaus-draegerhaus.de

Museum of St. Anne's Art Gallery
29 January to 5 March
ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF LÜBECK ARTISTS
This annual exhibition has been a fixture in the cultural life of the Hanseatic City for many years. It offers an opportunity to form a comprehensive impression of the diverse creative output in the city. Every two years, the annual exhibition is held in St. Anne's Art Gallery.
ADMISSION: € 4 – 8
INFO: kunsthalle-st-annen.de

SHIPYARD SUMMER
A colourful line-up with singer songwriters and bands can be experienced on an open air stage on the site of the former shipyard.
WHEN: various times over the summer
WHERE: Site of the Gollan Culture Shipyard
ADMISSION: +49 431 237070 (ticket hotline)
INFO: shmf.de

19 March to 18 June
PAINTING, LIVING, COLLECTING. THE ARTIST MARLIZ FRENCKEN AND THE FRENCKEN/LIBERG COLLECTION
ADMISSION: € 4 – 8
INFO: kunsthalle-st-annen.de

Brahms Institute
28 January – 16 December
EXHIBITION: JOHANNES BRAHMS: ICON OF BOURGEOIS LIFE?
Johannes Brahms is a figurehead of 19th century music culture. His music room, his letters and relationships mirror bourgeois life.
ADMISSION: free
INFO: brahms-Institut.de

Lübeck Literature Forum
Various times in 2023
HISTORICAL NOVELS FROM OUR REGION
With this event, the Lübeck Literature Forum stages electric reading performances in special venues. The readings are generally accompanied by music and culinary delights: small but intimate affairs and up close with the artists.
ADMISSION: see website
INFO: literaturforumluebeck.de