Leisure

Saarbrücken is a very vibrant cultural city. The Saarland State Theatre stages top class opera, theatre and ballet performances at three different venues. Sparte4 is the latest performance location and provides a platform for young artists and unusual pieces ranging from shows to readings.

The Pavilions of the Modern Gallery were built by the architect Hans Schönecker in 1965 and are situated directly on the banks of the Saar River. The art gallery regularly features special exhibitions in addition to the permanent displays of extraordinary artwork from the 19th  to 21st century which include significant German impressionist, expressionist and art informel paintings as well as outstanding contemporary art and sculpture. The History Museum on the Schlossplatz offers a fascinating insight into the region’s past. The castle’s underground casemates have been incorporated into the museum complex. The Museum of Prehistory and Early History will take you even further back in time. This archaeological journey offers you the opportunity to dip deep into Saarbrücken’s history and view a variety of Stone Age, Iron Age and Roman artefacts. The precious grave goods found in the Celtic tomb of the Reinheim princess are particularly interesting. The Museum for Ecclesiastical Art is a relatively new museum in the Schlosskirche, Saarbrücken’s castle church.

Saarbrücken is also a popular location for hot events. Annual highlights include the Max Ophüls Film Festival for up-and-coming directors which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and the Perspectives Theatre Festival, the only French theatre festival taking place in Germany. Teenagers just can’t wait for the summer holidays to begin as this is when the local broadcasting company Saarländischer Rundfunk hosts the Halberg Open Air Concert on top of the Halberg Hill. Numerous internationally acclaimed rock bands perform and entrance to the concert is free of charge. Every first weekend in August the town stops for the Saar Spectacle, the largest water and water sports event in Germany. The Saar Spectacle provides a thrilling and sensational programme for visitors to both watch and take part in and creates a maritime atmosphere in the heart of Saarbrücken.