Built 1867 as "Sommertheater" after designy by H. Sahlender for the restaurant owner Otto Helling.

1877 purchased by "Konzert- und Theaterverein" [concert and theatre society]. Subsequently major rebuilding. Re-opened 28 Oct 1877. 1150 seats. Used by touring theatre and opera companies.

1892 purchased by the city of Erfurt. 1893-1895 major rebuilding. Re-opened 15 Sep 1894 as "Stadttheater". 1025 seats. Used for opera, drama, and ballet performances by resident companies. 1927-1928 extensions. 1933 renamed "Deutsches Volkstheater". 1945 re-renamed "Stadttheater". Subsequently used for opera performances by the resident company. 1956 renamed "Opernhaus". Subsequently used for opera and ballet performances by the resident companies. 1957-1958 and 1969 renovations. 832 seats. Closed 1997 due to safety concerns. Subsequently restorations. Renamed "Alte Oper". Re-opened 15 Sep 2004. Used for drama performances by touring companies, and for various shows and concerts.

Notable world premieres:

• Kurt Weill: Der Silbersee (18 Feb 1933, also at Leipzig and Magdeburg)