Built 1927-1929 as "Universum-Kino" cinema by Erich Mendelsohn, as a part of the WOGA-Komplex (built 1926-1931) that also included the cabaret "Kabarett der Komiker" (built 1926-1928), a restaurant, a hotel, shops and apartments. Later renamed "Kino Capitol", and "Café Ricci". All parts of the WOGA-Komplex were severely damaged in World War II.

"Universum-Kino" building partly reconstructed in 1950/1951. 1963 façade restorations. 1963-1964 partly reconstruction of the whole complex by F. H. Sobotka and G. Müller. 1975-1981 major reconstruction of the "Universum-Kino" building by Jürgen Sawade to the original exterior designs and altered interior designs. Reopened 20 Sep 1981 as "Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz" with Aeschylus's "Oresteia". Home to the "Schaubühne" drama company that had previously operated at the "Schaubühne am Halleschen Ufer".

Notable world premieres:

• Botho Strauß: Die Fremdenführerin (15 Feb 1986)
• Marguerite Duras: Die Krankheit Tod (La maladie de la mort, 21 Dec 1991)
• Jean Genet: Splendid's (9 Mar 1994)
• Bernard-Marie Koltès: Roberto Zucco (12 Apr 1990)

Link: www.schaubuehne.de