Built 1888-1889 by Herhard Röhr on the site of a previous "Wilhelm-Theater" (former name: "Theater im Kaiser-Garten") and a "Théâtre Varieté" (former names: "Concert-Haus", "Zum Deutschen Kaiser"). Opened 26 May 1889. Named in honour of the German emperor, Wilhelm I. The complex included a big theatre hall, "Kaisersaal" (ca. 2000 seats), several smaller rooms ("Feldherrnsaal" and others), and a theatre garden restaurant (ca. 3000 seats). Used for theatre performances during the municipal theatre's summer closure time, amateur theatre performances, concerts, festive diner parties and balls.

Ca. 1911 re-opened as "Union-Theater" cinema and variety theatre (ca. 1000 seats). Since 1915, exclusively used as a cinema. 1936 extension by a cabaret and variety theatre, "Scala".

1950-1951 interior rebuilding to modern designs. Re-opened 30 June 1951 as "Karl-Marx-Klubhaus des VEB Waggonbau Görlitz" (also known as "FDGB Kulturhaus"). Used for political conventions and balls. In the 1980s interior restoration to the original designs. Closed 1989.

In the 1990s again used for theatre performances as "TAK (Theater am Karstadt"). 1991-1993 "Kaisersaal" used as office space by a bank, 1994-1999 used as a department store. Despite strong protests by a citizen's group that wanted to rescue the building, the city of Goerlitz agreed to the demolition of the basically intact theatre in favour of a new shopping centre and a multi-storey car park, which was widely regarded as barbaric and contrary to the city's fame as a centre of the protection of historical monuments. Demolished in 2001.

Link: Wikipedia