The history of Theatre Kerkrade
Theatre Kerkrade is located in the centre of Kerkrade and plays an important role in the cultural life of the region. The theatre programmes a wide range of theatre, dance, music, cabaret and family shows and hosts both regional and national productions.
Origin of theatre (1978)
The theatre opened in 1978 under the name Wijngrachttheater Kerkrade. The building was designed as a modern stage house with a large theatre hall and a multifunctional space suitable for a variety of cultural and business activities.
In 1999, the Wijngrachttheater became part of the umbrella organisation Parkstad Limburg Theatres (PLT), giving the theatre a place within the regional network of performing arts venues.
Theatre Kerkrade as part of HUB Kerkrade
On 26 October 2017, the theatre reopened as part of HUB Kerkrade, the city's revamped cultural centre, after a large-scale renovation. In addition to Theater Kerkrade, HUB also houses the library, a music and dance school and several other cultural organisations.
Thanks to this cooperation, the theatre is firmly embedded in the local cultural ecosystem and forms an important meeting place for culture in Kerkrade and the region.
Royal visit to Kerkrade Theatre
On 27 March 2025, Queen Máxima paid a working visit to Theater Kerkrade, part of Parkstad Limburg Theatres (PLT). Her visit focused on the social and connecting role of culture in the region.
Queen Máxima talked to administrators, cultural partners, makers and other stakeholders about the significance of theatre for social cohesion, talent development and cross-border cooperation in Parkstad Limburg. She also discussed how Theatre Kerkrade cooperates with local organisations, educational institutions and cultural initiatives to reach a broad and diverse audience.
The working visit underscored the importance of Theater Kerkrade as a cultural meeting place and as an engine for social involvement in the region.
Image: ©More Harmony in Society / Sascha Teschner
The different halls in Theatre Kerkrade:
The Great Hall
The Main Hall of Theater Kerkrade is the largest of the two theatres in the building and forms the heart of the theatre. It is an attractive and multifunctional space that can be arranged flexibly, depending on the nature and size of the event.
For large-scale performances and shows, the hall can accommodate over 600 visitors. For smaller productions or gatherings, the space can be reduced in size using a flexible canvas that divides the hall into two. Around 325 seats are available in this arrangement.
Thanks to this flexible layout, the Great Hall is suitable for both large-scale performances and more intimate productions, presentations and business meetings.
The Multipurpose Hall
The Multifunctional Hall, also known as Kerkrade's Living Room, is a contemporary and versatile space within Theatre Kerkrade. Here, the theatre and the public library come together in an open and accessible environment with lounge areas and a small stage.
The space lends itself perfectly to living room shows and small-scale performances, but is also suitable for lectures, meetings and presentations. With a capacity for groups of 20 to 100 people and up to 80 seats, the room offers a flexible layout that can be easily adapted to the type of event.
Thanks to the combination of an informal atmosphere and multifunctional layout, the Living Room is an accessible meeting place within Kerkrade's cultural heart.
