Wintergarten Varieté Berlin makes a glamorous impression with new façade lighting
A theater that enchants at first glance
The historic Wintergarten Varieté Berlin, long known as a stage for spectacular productions and legendary names in show history, has now created an architectural highlight as well. With a striking linear LED installation, the 19th-century façade shines in the evenings with a warm and welcoming radiance that is both inviting and eye-catching.
Light as part of the dramaturgy
The lighting design aimed to strengthen and evolve the visual identity of the theater while respecting the historic structure of the building. The illumination integrates seamlessly into the classical façade yet adds a new theatrical dimension: a play of light and shadow that lets passersby immediately sense the magic of the variety theater.
Precise planning and creative execution
Commissioned by the theater’s owners, the project was realized in close collaboration with Georg Strecker, Managing Director and Artistic Director, and Rodrigue Funke, Creative Director. The architectural concept and lighting plan were developed by the firm Maske + Suhren. Installation was carried out by Freilicht! GmbH & Co. KG.
“Whenever we encountered challenges in certain façade sections, we always found quick and convincing solutions through close coordination with everyone involved,” explains architect Anna Maske. The spirit of partnership was clearly reflected in the detailed and creative results.
Showcasing historic heritage with style
One key criterion was the choice of a very warm light color. At 1900 Kelvin, the lighting matches the filament bulbs traditionally used in the theater’s entrance, creating a harmonious overall impression while intensifying the emotional impact. The lighting design blends warmth, elegance, and theatricality.
For this, Barthelme developed a customized version of their AQUALUC series tailored to the Wintergarten’s needs. In total, 67 AQUALUC W:AVE Bright (1900 K) light lines spanning 152 meters, along with 3 AQUALUC C:URVE Bright lines (6 meters), were mounted along the façade’s structures.
Special attention was paid to architectural integration: the lights were built into a custom “crown fixture,” a stylized reference to the Wintergarten’s historic emblem. “The crown is part of our heritage – and now also shapes our new identity,” says Georg Strecker.
The tailor-made AQUALUC lights also emphasize distinctive façade elements, like the characteristic window niches affectionately called “sleeping eyes.” Here, the C:URVE Bright line was sensitively embedded to subtly highlight the architecture and present it in an impressive way.
Durable and weather-resistant
Beyond their aesthetic qualities, AQUALUC products stand out for their technical robustness. With IP67 protection and high UV resistance ensured by polyurethane casing, the luminaires are designed for permanent outdoor use. This long-term durability was essential for the project team, who prioritized reliability and safety.
Teaser-video for the project:
Project data:
Customer: Wintergarten Varieté, Berlin
wintergarten-berlin.de
Architects: MASKE + SUHREN Architekten und Designer Gesellschaft von Architekten mbG
maskesuhren.de
Installation: Freilicht! GmbH & Co. KG
freilicht.com