Theater im Bauturm, Independent theater in central Cologne, Germany.

Theater im Bauturm – Freies Schauspiel Köln is a free theatre on Aachener Straße in Cologne's Belgian Quarter, reached through a passage right of Café im Bauturm. Its auditorium seats about 130 and has a stage height of 2.90 m; the foyer holds a small bar.

The venue was founded in 1983 and developed into a space for experimental theater productions. It has focused on new interpretations of classical works alongside contemporary performances.

The theatre's name comes from the Bauturm architects' group whose building houses it; the entrance is reached through the passage right of Café im Bauturm, past display cases with current production information. The repertoire mixes reworked classics such as Don Quijote, Amphitryon and Moby Dick with original pieces; Petermann! Eine kölsche Paranoia, about the chimpanzee made a star of 1950s Cologne carnival sessions, became one of its best-known productions.

The venue is accessible by public transport and located near Rudolfplatz in the city center. Visitors should allow time to explore the historical passages and courtyards when arriving.

The production Petermann! Eine kölsche Paranoia turned the story of Petermann, a chimpanzee made an unwilling star of Cologne's 1950s carnival sessions, into a critique of prevailing views of animals and humans. The theatre also hosts the film series Connecting Rivers, with documentaries from around the world on alternatives to capitalism, environmental destruction and oppression.