History of the Berlin Waldbühne

The Berlin Waldbühne (formerly Dietrich-Eckart open-air stage) was built in a niche in the Murellenschlucht valley during construction work for the 1936 Olympic Games. Building works were headed by architect Werner March, who followed plans drawn up by Conrad Heidenreich.

The valley forms a natural basin at the Murellenberg, against whose slopes the tiered spectator stands have been built. The layout of the Waldbühne is based upon the Ancient Greek theatre in Epidauros. As in all ancient theatres, the rows of seats get higher the further they are from the stage, which is conducive to the structure's acoustics.

The total area is 69,585m². The audience stands have room for 22,290 people. The rest of the Berlin Olympic Park lies to the east of the Waldbühne, namely the bell tower, the Maifeld and Langemarck Hall, as well as the Olympic Stadium itself.
The concert hall received the name Waldbühne after the Second World War. At first it served as an open-air cinema (hosting, among others, the Berlin Film Festival), and was then used for boxing matches.