of the Deutsches Theatermuseum
The library of the Deutsches Theatermuseum has an extensive collection of around 100,000 volumes specialising in various areas of theatre. In addition to play texts and libretti, secondary literature on all areas of theatre, i.e. spoken, dance and musical theatre, from German-speaking countries is also collected.
The works range from the end of the 15th century to the present day. The library owns two incunabula with comedies by Terence and a collection of almost 1,000 libretti from the period between 1660 and 1800.
Secondary literature includes acting guides, biographies, bibliographies, encyclopaedias and publications on topics such as theatre technology, stage costumes, theatre architecture and theatre studies. It also includes literature on related areas of the performing arts, such as theatre for children and young people, puppet theatre, film, circus and cabaret. The historical festivals from the Baroque period are also part of the collection.
The library has an extensive collection of periodicals, beginning with a large collection of almanacs and theatre journals from the 18th and 19th centuries and continuing to the present day with relevant specialist journals.
Please note that the library is a reference library. This means that books cannot be borrowed from outside the library. The most important reference works and current theatre magazines can be found in the open stacks of the reading room. The complete stage yearbook and the repertoire of German-language theatres can also be found there. The majority of the stock is housed in an external repository, so we recommend placing orders via our contact form. Research is carried out via our online catalogue (OPAC), in which most of the stock is recorded.
