Theater in the present and history

Adolphe Appia, Parsifal by Richard Wagner, Act II: Magic Garden, 1922, 50.2 x 65.1 cm, Black ink over pencil on white half cardboard, SAPA Foundation
Public guided tour with Christian Schneeberger
5.7.2025
SAPA Foundation, Schanzenstrasse 15, 3001 Berne

Our permanent exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of theater history - from ancient Greek theaters such as Epidauros to Shakespeare's stages and the modern era. Detailed background texts and images accompany the tour. Each type of theater is represented by a large model with period-appropriate mechanics that can be operated interactively by the audience. This provides a unique insight into historical theater techniques and processes.

A particular focus is on Swiss theater history, which is placed in a pan-European context. The work of the important stage reformer Adolphe Appia (1862-1928), whose estate is held by SAPA, is also honored.

The exhibition is open every first Saturday of the month from 12:00 - 16:00.

The guided tours take place from 14:00 - 15:00.