Theaterschiff Potsdam, showboat in Potsdam, Germany
Theaterschiff Potsdam is a former steel cargo barge painted black, permanently moored since 1995 and measuring approximately 52 meters long by 6 meters wide. Inside, the vessel contains a theater space with around 90 seats, a restaurant, and a bar area, while the upper deck serves as a dining space during warmer months with views over the water.
Built in 1924 as a cargo barge called Sturmvogel, the vessel spent decades working on regional waterways before undergoing renovation in 1995 that transformed it into a theater and cultural venue. This conversion from industrial transport to performance space marked a significant shift in the ship's role within Potsdam's community.
The ship retains its original name Sturmvogel, meaning Storm Bird, reflecting its past as a working cargo vessel on regional waterways. Today it serves as a gathering place where theater and waterfront life blend together naturally in the city's cultural rhythm.
The vessel is moored at the Tiefen See waterfront and is easily accessible on foot from the city center at the address Schiffbauergasse 9b. Since the experience takes place on water, visitors should be prepared for potential dampness during rainy weather and wear sturdy footwear when boarding or moving around the deck.
Since 2010, a monthly talk show called Potsdamer Nachschlag takes place here, where host Tatjana Meissner interviews prominent figures from Potsdam about their lives and work. This series brings the local community together and offers insight into the stories of people who have shaped the city.
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