Guide to Ruhrtriennale

Every year, the Ruhrtriennale presents productions from the fields of music theatre, concert, drama, dance and discourse. Concerts and music theatre include both classical works and the latest compositions, which receive their world or European premieres here. The ‘creations’ coined by founding artistic director Gerard Mortier dissolve the boundaries between genres and, in combination with the unique venues, give rise to something new.

The Ruhrtriennale's venues are monumental halls in the industrial architecture of the Ruhr region. Every year, the venues for the Ruhrtriennale are transformed into spectacular stage spaces that allow art to merge with the charm of industrial architecture. The events mostly take place indoors.

We are a late summer festival at the former workplaces of steel and coal workers in the Ruhr area. We don't have a dress code, except that we want you to feel comfortable with us. In warm weather the halls heat up quickly, in September it can get a little cooler late in the evening and we are happy to keep your jacket in the cloakroom so that you can enjoy a drink in the evening in the open air festival centre at the Jahrhunderthalle Bochum.

Our festival center, Wunderland, is located at the Jahrhunderthalle Bochum, offering a variety of original and regional cuisine and drinks. In addition to the main offerings, drinks and snacks are also available at all other venues, ensuring a complete and enjoyable experience throughout the evening. Whether you’re looking to savor local flavors or grab a quick bite or drink, the festival has got you covered.

The Ruhr region boasts a variety of museums, including the Folkwang Museum and Ruhr Museum in Essen, and the Mining Museum and Art Museum in Bochum. Our venues are surrounded by striking industrial landmarks, such as the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen and former steelworks in Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park. Visitors are also impressed by the unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.