HELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts in Dresden Hellerau
HELLERAU – European Center for the Arts was founded in 1911 as a festival theater and educational institution for music and rhythm, based on the ideas of Heinrich Tessenow and Émile Jaques-Dalcroze.
As the artistic center of Germany’s first garden city, the building attracted numerous European artists until 1914. Used as a police academy and SS barracks in the 1930s, it later served as a military hospital and barracks for the Soviet Army. In the 1990s, the site began to be revitalized through the arts.
Today, HELLERAU ranks among the most important international centers for contemporary arts. The interdisciplinary co-production and guest performance venue presents approximately 350 events annually in the genres of dance, performance, music, and media art. Through various thematic focuses and festivals, HELLERAU addresses current social issues. Carena Schlewitt has been the artistic director since 2018/19.
In 2026, HELLERAU was awarded the Federal Theater Prize.
As the artistic center of Germany’s first garden city, the building attracted numerous European artists until 1914. Used as a police academy and SS barracks in the 1930s, it later served as a military hospital and barracks for the Soviet Army. In the 1990s, the site began to be revitalized through the arts.
Today, HELLERAU ranks among the most important international centers for contemporary arts. The interdisciplinary co-production and guest performance venue presents approximately 350 events annually in the genres of dance, performance, music, and media art. Through various thematic focuses and festivals, HELLERAU addresses current social issues. Carena Schlewitt has been the artistic director since 2018/19.
In 2026, HELLERAU was awarded the Federal Theater Prize.
Good to know
Accessibility
- Saxony Barrier-Free
Additional access information for wheelchair users and persons with reduced mobility:
- Side entrance for wheelchair users
- 8 wheelchair spaces in the great hall
- Induction loop
Parkingindicated disabled parking space available
Entrance to the facility / paths within the facilityDoor width min. 90 cm
Stepless access (max. 3 cm) or ramp
Accessible toiletDoor width min. 90 cm
Stepless access (max. 3 cm) or ramp
Movement area in front of toilet bowl min. 150x150 cm
Area left or right of the toilet bowl min. 90 cm
Hinged hand rails at the side of the toilet bowl provided
Additional aids / offersAids / offers for blind and visually impaired persons
Additional aids / offersAids / offers for deaf and hearing-impaired persons
Author
Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH
Bautzner Straße 45/4701099 DresdenOrganization
Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH