Schiffbauergasse 16, Potsdam
Schiffbauergasse 16, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Reithalle Potsdam | Tickets & Directions
The Reithalle in Potsdam is not just any venue, but one of the most distinctive theater addresses in Schiffbauergasse. When searching for Reithalle Potsdam, one refers to the historic Reithalle A in 14467 Potsdam, which has been closely associated with the Hans Otto Theater for many years. The building was constructed in 1915, taken over as a venue for children's and youth theater in 1998, and restored in accordance with monument preservation regulations in 2004/05. With its 162 seats, the Reithalle is intentionally smaller and closer to the audience than the Great House, allowing many performances to develop a particularly concentrated, immediate atmosphere. At the same time, the venue is located in a district characterized by culture, gastronomy, waterfront location, and good transport connections. For visitors, this is practical: the Reithalle can be reached by both public transport and car, parking is available on-site, and a visit to the theater can be easily combined with a walk along the Tiefen See or through the cultural area. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
Tickets, Advance Sale, and Box Office at Reithalle Potsdam
When searching for Reithalle Potsdam tickets, it is important to know that tickets are not sold separately at various locations in the building, but through the central channels of the Hans Otto Theater. The official advance sale begins on the first working day two months in advance; subscribers and members of the support association receive access three working days earlier. Tickets can be purchased online via the webshop or through the ticket partner Reservix, and there is also a theater box office. For the Reithalle and the Reithalle Box, the box office is located at Schiffbauergasse 16. There, phone and service inquiries regarding performances in the Reithalle are also consolidated. Particularly convenient for spontaneous visits is the box office: it opens one hour before the performance begins at the respective venue and sells tickets exclusively for the current performance. Reserved tickets are held until 30 minutes before the start, after which the reservation is canceled. So, those who want to remain flexible may still get a last-minute seat with a bit of luck. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/karten-und-abos/karten/))
For orientation, it is also important to note that the seating plan of the Reithalle is officially maintained and may vary depending on the production. This is typical for theater spaces that are not only used for a single, rigidly defined stage design but remain open to changing formats, narrative styles, and audience arrangements. Especially in productions for children, teenagers, and families, or in poetic performances, this flexibility often feels particularly vibrant, as proximity and perspective become a stronger part of the theater experience. In the ticket area, the house also points out that not all discount options can be booked online. Therefore, those who wish to take advantage of special discounts, group prices, or tickets for young visitors are well advised to consult the theater box office. For the Reithalle, the combination of online purchase, advance sale, and box office is ideal, as it covers both early planning and spontaneous theater evenings. Thus, the ticket offer fits the venue itself: compact, personal, and close to the audience. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/karten-und-abos/karten/))
Directions, Public Transport, and Parking at Reithalle Potsdam
The Reithalle Potsdam is located in Schiffbauergasse, which is a site that has been consciously well-developed for cultural visits. Those arriving by public transport can travel directly from Potsdam Central Station. The nearest stops are Schiffbauergasse/Berliner Straße with tram 93 and night bus N16, Schiffbauergasse/Uferweg with tram 94 and tram 99, and Potsdam, Holzmarktstraße with tram 93, 94, and 99. Visitors from Berlin can reach Potsdam Central Station via RE1, RB21, RB22, and S7 and then switch to the tram. This makes the journey to the Reithalle relatively easy for day visitors, commuters, and evening audiences. The location by the Tiefen See and near the Glienicke Bridge shows that this cultural site is not only functional but also attractively embedded in the landscape. This often makes a theater visit in Potsdam a small excursion, not just a performance. ([schiffbauergasse.de](https://schiffbauergasse.de/besuch-planen/anreise-and-parken))
Those arriving by car should take the A115 at the Potsdam-Zentrum/Babelsberg exit towards the center, continue to the end of the Nuthe expressway, and then turn right onto Berliner Straße. After about 200 meters, turn right into Schiffbauergasse. On-site, paid parking spaces and a parking garage are available. For cultural events, the parking garage or designated areas apply the cultural ticket of €3 per stay during the specified times; outside of these times, the regular rates apply. Additionally, there are bike racks on the premises, and e-scooters are also permitted in the district. This is convenient for visitors as they can plan their arrival flexibly: on foot from the district, by tram and walking, by bike, or by car. The Reithalle is thus not a remote destination but a well-embedded theater location in the urban fabric of Potsdam. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/service/))
Seating Plan, Seats, and Accessibility at Reithalle Potsdam
The Reithalle Potsdam, with 162 seats, is a manageable but very effective venue. This size is one of the reasons why many visitors associate the Reithalle with proximity to the ensemble, clear acoustics, and a concentrated atmosphere. The official seating plan is available on the Hans Otto Theater's website, and the house explicitly points out that it can be adjusted depending on the respective production. This is an advantage in modern theater houses: not every production requires the same seating arrangement, and not every piece unfolds its effect in the same way. For the audience, this means that choosing a seat is not just a technical process but part of the theater experience. The Reithalle also works closely with the Reithalle Box, creating a small but versatile cluster of venues. Therefore, those looking for the best seat should consider the respective evening, the production, and the desired proximity to the stage. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
In terms of accessibility, there is also clear, practical information. The Hans Otto Theater points out that the Reithalle has seats for wheelchair users, and wheelchair seats should be reserved at least one day before the theater visit through the box office. The visitor information from Schiffbauergasse also mentions a level, trip-free floor covering, a guest toilet accessible without stairs, and a barrier-free toilet on the ground floor, as well as sufficient seating. According to tourism information, the visitor parking spaces are about 100 meters from the entrance. For people with limited mobility, this is an important point, as it makes arrival more predictable and keeps the path into the building short. Overall, it shows: The Reithalle is a historic building, but not a museum shell. It is a theater location that is accessible and combines historical substance with contemporary visitor-friendliness. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/service/))
History and Architecture of Reithalle A in Potsdam
Historically, Reithalle A is significantly older and more independent than the name might initially suggest to many visitors. The state capital Potsdam describes it as the youngest of the four riding halls on the Schiffbauergasse site. It was built in 1915 according to the plans of Royal Building Advisor Robert Klingelhöffer in the Army Construction Office II for military reinforcement. Architecturally, the building is neoclassical in style and formally oriented towards the Schinkelhalle. Noteworthy is the construction with 26.5-meter-long cantilevered steel beams, which were intended to allow for a column-free riding arena. This is not just a technical detail but explains the generous inner effect of the house to this day. In the foyer at that time, there was even a cooling stable where overheated horses were slowly cooled down. This origin makes the Reithalle a rare example of how military and equestrian uses come together in a building of high spatial quality. The current theater atmosphere thus lives in a space originally designed for movement, discipline, and functionality. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
After military use by the German Army, Reichswehr, and Wehrmacht, the NVA and a radio and logistics battalion of the Soviet intelligence service KGB later took over the former riding halls. The Reithalle A was used as a sports hall until the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was not until 1998 that it received its new cultural purpose as a venue for children's and youth theater of the Hans Otto Theater. Between 2004 and 2005, the building was restored in accordance with monument preservation regulations and further developed into a modern theater building. This is central to understanding the Reithalle Potsdam: it is not a new building that merely imitates historical charm, but a genuine monument with a broken, multifaceted biography. It is precisely this biography that gives the place its special aura today. Those attending a performance here experience theater in a house that has been read and used anew over more than a century. This also explains why the Reithalle feels both historically conscious and contemporary. It connects architecture, memory, and the present in a way that is rarely felt so clearly in the Potsdam cultural quarter. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
Program, Children's and Youth Theater, and Repertoire Today
Today, the Reithalle Potsdam is primarily a stage for the children's and youth theater of the Hans Otto Theater. The house describes this area as an integral part of its profile: The Young Hans Otto Theater presents five premieres per season and approximately 190 performances annually for children, teenagers, young people, and families. Additionally, there are theater education offerings, encounter formats, and the work of the youth club, which presents its own premieres. For this reason, the Reithalle is a particularly important address for many families, school classes, and young theater fans. It is a space for stories that can be understandable, approachable, and artistically demanding at the same time. The repertoire of the Hans Otto Theater ranges from ancient and classical works to new theater texts, novel adaptations, comedies, and song evenings with live music. The Reithalle complements this spectrum with a more intimate, often more immediate framework. Therefore, those searching for Reithalle Potsdam program 2026 are not just looking for dates but for a vibrant schedule that brings together young perspectives and changing formats. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
The profile of the house also includes co-productions with the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, the Dance Academy Marita Erxleben, and the Association for the Love of Dance e.V., as well as readings, discourse formats, open stages, play introductions, and post-discussions. This mix explains why the Reithalle functions not only as a classic theater space but also as a flexible meeting place. In the monthly schedule of the Hans Otto Theater, Reithalle dates regularly appear, and special formats from Schiffbauergasse also use the venue for an audience that responds to diversity and proximity. The Reithalle is thus not limited to a single genre but carries the signature of a house that actively involves its city and its audience. Therefore, those looking for tickets are not just planning a visit to a historic hall but an evening at a place where contemporary theater, youth culture, and Potsdam city history intersect. This combination makes the Reithalle in Schiffbauergasse one of the most exciting smaller stages in the region. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
If one takes the term Reithalle Potsdam literally, they might initially think of a horse stable or a training hall. However, the current Reithalle A is primarily an example of how a historical functional building can be transformed into a high-quality cultural venue. The audience comes for the performances, stays for the atmosphere, and discovers a piece of Potsdam's urban and architectural history along the way. This is precisely the charm of this place: it is clearly located, functional, historically conscious, and yet open to new narrative styles. Whether children's and youth theater, premieres, guest performances, repertoire, or special formats from Schiffbauergasse - the Reithalle is a house that has retained its old name while giving it a new meaning. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
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Reithalle Potsdam | Tickets & Directions
The Reithalle in Potsdam is not just any venue, but one of the most distinctive theater addresses in Schiffbauergasse. When searching for Reithalle Potsdam, one refers to the historic Reithalle A in 14467 Potsdam, which has been closely associated with the Hans Otto Theater for many years. The building was constructed in 1915, taken over as a venue for children's and youth theater in 1998, and restored in accordance with monument preservation regulations in 2004/05. With its 162 seats, the Reithalle is intentionally smaller and closer to the audience than the Great House, allowing many performances to develop a particularly concentrated, immediate atmosphere. At the same time, the venue is located in a district characterized by culture, gastronomy, waterfront location, and good transport connections. For visitors, this is practical: the Reithalle can be reached by both public transport and car, parking is available on-site, and a visit to the theater can be easily combined with a walk along the Tiefen See or through the cultural area. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
Tickets, Advance Sale, and Box Office at Reithalle Potsdam
When searching for Reithalle Potsdam tickets, it is important to know that tickets are not sold separately at various locations in the building, but through the central channels of the Hans Otto Theater. The official advance sale begins on the first working day two months in advance; subscribers and members of the support association receive access three working days earlier. Tickets can be purchased online via the webshop or through the ticket partner Reservix, and there is also a theater box office. For the Reithalle and the Reithalle Box, the box office is located at Schiffbauergasse 16. There, phone and service inquiries regarding performances in the Reithalle are also consolidated. Particularly convenient for spontaneous visits is the box office: it opens one hour before the performance begins at the respective venue and sells tickets exclusively for the current performance. Reserved tickets are held until 30 minutes before the start, after which the reservation is canceled. So, those who want to remain flexible may still get a last-minute seat with a bit of luck. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/karten-und-abos/karten/))
For orientation, it is also important to note that the seating plan of the Reithalle is officially maintained and may vary depending on the production. This is typical for theater spaces that are not only used for a single, rigidly defined stage design but remain open to changing formats, narrative styles, and audience arrangements. Especially in productions for children, teenagers, and families, or in poetic performances, this flexibility often feels particularly vibrant, as proximity and perspective become a stronger part of the theater experience. In the ticket area, the house also points out that not all discount options can be booked online. Therefore, those who wish to take advantage of special discounts, group prices, or tickets for young visitors are well advised to consult the theater box office. For the Reithalle, the combination of online purchase, advance sale, and box office is ideal, as it covers both early planning and spontaneous theater evenings. Thus, the ticket offer fits the venue itself: compact, personal, and close to the audience. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/karten-und-abos/karten/))
Directions, Public Transport, and Parking at Reithalle Potsdam
The Reithalle Potsdam is located in Schiffbauergasse, which is a site that has been consciously well-developed for cultural visits. Those arriving by public transport can travel directly from Potsdam Central Station. The nearest stops are Schiffbauergasse/Berliner Straße with tram 93 and night bus N16, Schiffbauergasse/Uferweg with tram 94 and tram 99, and Potsdam, Holzmarktstraße with tram 93, 94, and 99. Visitors from Berlin can reach Potsdam Central Station via RE1, RB21, RB22, and S7 and then switch to the tram. This makes the journey to the Reithalle relatively easy for day visitors, commuters, and evening audiences. The location by the Tiefen See and near the Glienicke Bridge shows that this cultural site is not only functional but also attractively embedded in the landscape. This often makes a theater visit in Potsdam a small excursion, not just a performance. ([schiffbauergasse.de](https://schiffbauergasse.de/besuch-planen/anreise-and-parken))
Those arriving by car should take the A115 at the Potsdam-Zentrum/Babelsberg exit towards the center, continue to the end of the Nuthe expressway, and then turn right onto Berliner Straße. After about 200 meters, turn right into Schiffbauergasse. On-site, paid parking spaces and a parking garage are available. For cultural events, the parking garage or designated areas apply the cultural ticket of €3 per stay during the specified times; outside of these times, the regular rates apply. Additionally, there are bike racks on the premises, and e-scooters are also permitted in the district. This is convenient for visitors as they can plan their arrival flexibly: on foot from the district, by tram and walking, by bike, or by car. The Reithalle is thus not a remote destination but a well-embedded theater location in the urban fabric of Potsdam. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/service/))
Seating Plan, Seats, and Accessibility at Reithalle Potsdam
The Reithalle Potsdam, with 162 seats, is a manageable but very effective venue. This size is one of the reasons why many visitors associate the Reithalle with proximity to the ensemble, clear acoustics, and a concentrated atmosphere. The official seating plan is available on the Hans Otto Theater's website, and the house explicitly points out that it can be adjusted depending on the respective production. This is an advantage in modern theater houses: not every production requires the same seating arrangement, and not every piece unfolds its effect in the same way. For the audience, this means that choosing a seat is not just a technical process but part of the theater experience. The Reithalle also works closely with the Reithalle Box, creating a small but versatile cluster of venues. Therefore, those looking for the best seat should consider the respective evening, the production, and the desired proximity to the stage. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
In terms of accessibility, there is also clear, practical information. The Hans Otto Theater points out that the Reithalle has seats for wheelchair users, and wheelchair seats should be reserved at least one day before the theater visit through the box office. The visitor information from Schiffbauergasse also mentions a level, trip-free floor covering, a guest toilet accessible without stairs, and a barrier-free toilet on the ground floor, as well as sufficient seating. According to tourism information, the visitor parking spaces are about 100 meters from the entrance. For people with limited mobility, this is an important point, as it makes arrival more predictable and keeps the path into the building short. Overall, it shows: The Reithalle is a historic building, but not a museum shell. It is a theater location that is accessible and combines historical substance with contemporary visitor-friendliness. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/service/))
History and Architecture of Reithalle A in Potsdam
Historically, Reithalle A is significantly older and more independent than the name might initially suggest to many visitors. The state capital Potsdam describes it as the youngest of the four riding halls on the Schiffbauergasse site. It was built in 1915 according to the plans of Royal Building Advisor Robert Klingelhöffer in the Army Construction Office II for military reinforcement. Architecturally, the building is neoclassical in style and formally oriented towards the Schinkelhalle. Noteworthy is the construction with 26.5-meter-long cantilevered steel beams, which were intended to allow for a column-free riding arena. This is not just a technical detail but explains the generous inner effect of the house to this day. In the foyer at that time, there was even a cooling stable where overheated horses were slowly cooled down. This origin makes the Reithalle a rare example of how military and equestrian uses come together in a building of high spatial quality. The current theater atmosphere thus lives in a space originally designed for movement, discipline, and functionality. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
After military use by the German Army, Reichswehr, and Wehrmacht, the NVA and a radio and logistics battalion of the Soviet intelligence service KGB later took over the former riding halls. The Reithalle A was used as a sports hall until the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was not until 1998 that it received its new cultural purpose as a venue for children's and youth theater of the Hans Otto Theater. Between 2004 and 2005, the building was restored in accordance with monument preservation regulations and further developed into a modern theater building. This is central to understanding the Reithalle Potsdam: it is not a new building that merely imitates historical charm, but a genuine monument with a broken, multifaceted biography. It is precisely this biography that gives the place its special aura today. Those attending a performance here experience theater in a house that has been read and used anew over more than a century. This also explains why the Reithalle feels both historically conscious and contemporary. It connects architecture, memory, and the present in a way that is rarely felt so clearly in the Potsdam cultural quarter. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
Program, Children's and Youth Theater, and Repertoire Today
Today, the Reithalle Potsdam is primarily a stage for the children's and youth theater of the Hans Otto Theater. The house describes this area as an integral part of its profile: The Young Hans Otto Theater presents five premieres per season and approximately 190 performances annually for children, teenagers, young people, and families. Additionally, there are theater education offerings, encounter formats, and the work of the youth club, which presents its own premieres. For this reason, the Reithalle is a particularly important address for many families, school classes, and young theater fans. It is a space for stories that can be understandable, approachable, and artistically demanding at the same time. The repertoire of the Hans Otto Theater ranges from ancient and classical works to new theater texts, novel adaptations, comedies, and song evenings with live music. The Reithalle complements this spectrum with a more intimate, often more immediate framework. Therefore, those searching for Reithalle Potsdam program 2026 are not just looking for dates but for a vibrant schedule that brings together young perspectives and changing formats. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
The profile of the house also includes co-productions with the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, the Dance Academy Marita Erxleben, and the Association for the Love of Dance e.V., as well as readings, discourse formats, open stages, play introductions, and post-discussions. This mix explains why the Reithalle functions not only as a classic theater space but also as a flexible meeting place. In the monthly schedule of the Hans Otto Theater, Reithalle dates regularly appear, and special formats from Schiffbauergasse also use the venue for an audience that responds to diversity and proximity. The Reithalle is thus not limited to a single genre but carries the signature of a house that actively involves its city and its audience. Therefore, those looking for tickets are not just planning a visit to a historic hall but an evening at a place where contemporary theater, youth culture, and Potsdam city history intersect. This combination makes the Reithalle in Schiffbauergasse one of the most exciting smaller stages in the region. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
If one takes the term Reithalle Potsdam literally, they might initially think of a horse stable or a training hall. However, the current Reithalle A is primarily an example of how a historical functional building can be transformed into a high-quality cultural venue. The audience comes for the performances, stays for the atmosphere, and discovers a piece of Potsdam's urban and architectural history along the way. This is precisely the charm of this place: it is clearly located, functional, historically conscious, and yet open to new narrative styles. Whether children's and youth theater, premieres, guest performances, repertoire, or special formats from Schiffbauergasse - the Reithalle is a house that has retained its old name while giving it a new meaning. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
Sources:
Reithalle Potsdam | Tickets & Directions
The Reithalle in Potsdam is not just any venue, but one of the most distinctive theater addresses in Schiffbauergasse. When searching for Reithalle Potsdam, one refers to the historic Reithalle A in 14467 Potsdam, which has been closely associated with the Hans Otto Theater for many years. The building was constructed in 1915, taken over as a venue for children's and youth theater in 1998, and restored in accordance with monument preservation regulations in 2004/05. With its 162 seats, the Reithalle is intentionally smaller and closer to the audience than the Great House, allowing many performances to develop a particularly concentrated, immediate atmosphere. At the same time, the venue is located in a district characterized by culture, gastronomy, waterfront location, and good transport connections. For visitors, this is practical: the Reithalle can be reached by both public transport and car, parking is available on-site, and a visit to the theater can be easily combined with a walk along the Tiefen See or through the cultural area. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
Tickets, Advance Sale, and Box Office at Reithalle Potsdam
When searching for Reithalle Potsdam tickets, it is important to know that tickets are not sold separately at various locations in the building, but through the central channels of the Hans Otto Theater. The official advance sale begins on the first working day two months in advance; subscribers and members of the support association receive access three working days earlier. Tickets can be purchased online via the webshop or through the ticket partner Reservix, and there is also a theater box office. For the Reithalle and the Reithalle Box, the box office is located at Schiffbauergasse 16. There, phone and service inquiries regarding performances in the Reithalle are also consolidated. Particularly convenient for spontaneous visits is the box office: it opens one hour before the performance begins at the respective venue and sells tickets exclusively for the current performance. Reserved tickets are held until 30 minutes before the start, after which the reservation is canceled. So, those who want to remain flexible may still get a last-minute seat with a bit of luck. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/karten-und-abos/karten/))
For orientation, it is also important to note that the seating plan of the Reithalle is officially maintained and may vary depending on the production. This is typical for theater spaces that are not only used for a single, rigidly defined stage design but remain open to changing formats, narrative styles, and audience arrangements. Especially in productions for children, teenagers, and families, or in poetic performances, this flexibility often feels particularly vibrant, as proximity and perspective become a stronger part of the theater experience. In the ticket area, the house also points out that not all discount options can be booked online. Therefore, those who wish to take advantage of special discounts, group prices, or tickets for young visitors are well advised to consult the theater box office. For the Reithalle, the combination of online purchase, advance sale, and box office is ideal, as it covers both early planning and spontaneous theater evenings. Thus, the ticket offer fits the venue itself: compact, personal, and close to the audience. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/karten-und-abos/karten/))
Directions, Public Transport, and Parking at Reithalle Potsdam
The Reithalle Potsdam is located in Schiffbauergasse, which is a site that has been consciously well-developed for cultural visits. Those arriving by public transport can travel directly from Potsdam Central Station. The nearest stops are Schiffbauergasse/Berliner Straße with tram 93 and night bus N16, Schiffbauergasse/Uferweg with tram 94 and tram 99, and Potsdam, Holzmarktstraße with tram 93, 94, and 99. Visitors from Berlin can reach Potsdam Central Station via RE1, RB21, RB22, and S7 and then switch to the tram. This makes the journey to the Reithalle relatively easy for day visitors, commuters, and evening audiences. The location by the Tiefen See and near the Glienicke Bridge shows that this cultural site is not only functional but also attractively embedded in the landscape. This often makes a theater visit in Potsdam a small excursion, not just a performance. ([schiffbauergasse.de](https://schiffbauergasse.de/besuch-planen/anreise-and-parken))
Those arriving by car should take the A115 at the Potsdam-Zentrum/Babelsberg exit towards the center, continue to the end of the Nuthe expressway, and then turn right onto Berliner Straße. After about 200 meters, turn right into Schiffbauergasse. On-site, paid parking spaces and a parking garage are available. For cultural events, the parking garage or designated areas apply the cultural ticket of €3 per stay during the specified times; outside of these times, the regular rates apply. Additionally, there are bike racks on the premises, and e-scooters are also permitted in the district. This is convenient for visitors as they can plan their arrival flexibly: on foot from the district, by tram and walking, by bike, or by car. The Reithalle is thus not a remote destination but a well-embedded theater location in the urban fabric of Potsdam. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/service/))
Seating Plan, Seats, and Accessibility at Reithalle Potsdam
The Reithalle Potsdam, with 162 seats, is a manageable but very effective venue. This size is one of the reasons why many visitors associate the Reithalle with proximity to the ensemble, clear acoustics, and a concentrated atmosphere. The official seating plan is available on the Hans Otto Theater's website, and the house explicitly points out that it can be adjusted depending on the respective production. This is an advantage in modern theater houses: not every production requires the same seating arrangement, and not every piece unfolds its effect in the same way. For the audience, this means that choosing a seat is not just a technical process but part of the theater experience. The Reithalle also works closely with the Reithalle Box, creating a small but versatile cluster of venues. Therefore, those looking for the best seat should consider the respective evening, the production, and the desired proximity to the stage. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
In terms of accessibility, there is also clear, practical information. The Hans Otto Theater points out that the Reithalle has seats for wheelchair users, and wheelchair seats should be reserved at least one day before the theater visit through the box office. The visitor information from Schiffbauergasse also mentions a level, trip-free floor covering, a guest toilet accessible without stairs, and a barrier-free toilet on the ground floor, as well as sufficient seating. According to tourism information, the visitor parking spaces are about 100 meters from the entrance. For people with limited mobility, this is an important point, as it makes arrival more predictable and keeps the path into the building short. Overall, it shows: The Reithalle is a historic building, but not a museum shell. It is a theater location that is accessible and combines historical substance with contemporary visitor-friendliness. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/service/))
History and Architecture of Reithalle A in Potsdam
Historically, Reithalle A is significantly older and more independent than the name might initially suggest to many visitors. The state capital Potsdam describes it as the youngest of the four riding halls on the Schiffbauergasse site. It was built in 1915 according to the plans of Royal Building Advisor Robert Klingelhöffer in the Army Construction Office II for military reinforcement. Architecturally, the building is neoclassical in style and formally oriented towards the Schinkelhalle. Noteworthy is the construction with 26.5-meter-long cantilevered steel beams, which were intended to allow for a column-free riding arena. This is not just a technical detail but explains the generous inner effect of the house to this day. In the foyer at that time, there was even a cooling stable where overheated horses were slowly cooled down. This origin makes the Reithalle a rare example of how military and equestrian uses come together in a building of high spatial quality. The current theater atmosphere thus lives in a space originally designed for movement, discipline, and functionality. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
After military use by the German Army, Reichswehr, and Wehrmacht, the NVA and a radio and logistics battalion of the Soviet intelligence service KGB later took over the former riding halls. The Reithalle A was used as a sports hall until the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was not until 1998 that it received its new cultural purpose as a venue for children's and youth theater of the Hans Otto Theater. Between 2004 and 2005, the building was restored in accordance with monument preservation regulations and further developed into a modern theater building. This is central to understanding the Reithalle Potsdam: it is not a new building that merely imitates historical charm, but a genuine monument with a broken, multifaceted biography. It is precisely this biography that gives the place its special aura today. Those attending a performance here experience theater in a house that has been read and used anew over more than a century. This also explains why the Reithalle feels both historically conscious and contemporary. It connects architecture, memory, and the present in a way that is rarely felt so clearly in the Potsdam cultural quarter. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
Program, Children's and Youth Theater, and Repertoire Today
Today, the Reithalle Potsdam is primarily a stage for the children's and youth theater of the Hans Otto Theater. The house describes this area as an integral part of its profile: The Young Hans Otto Theater presents five premieres per season and approximately 190 performances annually for children, teenagers, young people, and families. Additionally, there are theater education offerings, encounter formats, and the work of the youth club, which presents its own premieres. For this reason, the Reithalle is a particularly important address for many families, school classes, and young theater fans. It is a space for stories that can be understandable, approachable, and artistically demanding at the same time. The repertoire of the Hans Otto Theater ranges from ancient and classical works to new theater texts, novel adaptations, comedies, and song evenings with live music. The Reithalle complements this spectrum with a more intimate, often more immediate framework. Therefore, those searching for Reithalle Potsdam program 2026 are not just looking for dates but for a vibrant schedule that brings together young perspectives and changing formats. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
The profile of the house also includes co-productions with the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, the Dance Academy Marita Erxleben, and the Association for the Love of Dance e.V., as well as readings, discourse formats, open stages, play introductions, and post-discussions. This mix explains why the Reithalle functions not only as a classic theater space but also as a flexible meeting place. In the monthly schedule of the Hans Otto Theater, Reithalle dates regularly appear, and special formats from Schiffbauergasse also use the venue for an audience that responds to diversity and proximity. The Reithalle is thus not limited to a single genre but carries the signature of a house that actively involves its city and its audience. Therefore, those looking for tickets are not just planning a visit to a historic hall but an evening at a place where contemporary theater, youth culture, and Potsdam city history intersect. This combination makes the Reithalle in Schiffbauergasse one of the most exciting smaller stages in the region. ([hansottotheater.de](https://www.hansottotheater.de/haus/))
If one takes the term Reithalle Potsdam literally, they might initially think of a horse stable or a training hall. However, the current Reithalle A is primarily an example of how a historical functional building can be transformed into a high-quality cultural venue. The audience comes for the performances, stays for the atmosphere, and discovers a piece of Potsdam's urban and architectural history along the way. This is precisely the charm of this place: it is clearly located, functional, historically conscious, and yet open to new narrative styles. Whether children's and youth theater, premieres, guest performances, repertoire, or special formats from Schiffbauergasse - the Reithalle is a house that has retained its old name while giving it a new meaning. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/reithalle))
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reviews
Z O L U
10. March 2024
Despite its name (riding hall) this is actually a theater. We came to see a modern play, which exceeded our expectations.
david gonzalez
18. May 2025
normal
Johannes Torge
16. February 2025
We went to see "Nathan's Children" and sat in the third row. The play was fantastic, easy to understand, and very exciting. The actors were simply superb. The set design was wonderfully innovative. We will now be looking more often for plays for young people—which is where this play is categorized. The only downside was the unexpectedly high price of drinks; I ordered a bottle of Club Mate for €5 :-) Thanks to the very high ceiling, the building has good air quality.
Sandro Wätzig
23. April 2023
Unfortunately, the Hans Otto Theater's organization of events in the riding hall is once again unprofessional. The tickets only list 3 p.m. as the start time, and families end up standing around in the foyer for ages. Doors open at 3 p.m. Why not print "3 p.m. Doors open" and "3:15 p.m. start" on the tickets?! The Nikolaisaal and the Luckenwalde Municipal Theater do this better and with style. The plays themselves, however, are fantastic: 5 stars
Cornelia R.
12. March 2024
Nice theater, but the temperatures were a bit chilly, and unfortunately, drinks weren't allowed in the auditorium. The bar was also closed after the 9 pm performance. Not exactly a welcoming atmosphere for a theater.