Volksbühne Berlin opens temporary swimming pool on its forecourt

Berlin's Volksbühne theater is transforming its forecourt into a temporary public swimming pool, offering a unique cultural experience as the venue undergoes renovations. The 25-meter "Volksbad" is set to open on August 7, providing a refreshing escape in the heart of the city.

New theater director Matthias Lilienthal has orchestrated this initiative as a programmatic statement and a welcome to the neighborhood. The pool, 1.30 meters deep, will be accessible through free, timed slots. Reservations open on August 4 for the initial days, with subsequent slots released three days prior. These tickets grant access for a two-hour period, including the sunbathing area.

The "Volksbad" will remain open until October 1 at Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. Operating hours are generally Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9:00 PM. The pool will be closed on Mondays and Sundays, and also during inclement weather.

Lilienthal views the temporary pool as a form of protest against the systematic dismantling of public infrastructure in the city over recent decades. While the theater's main stage machinery is being repaired, the pool offers a vibrant public space. The official theater season is slated to commence on October 1, following the pool's closure.