Nikolaisaal Potsdam

The Nikolaisaal is Potsdam's concert and events venue on Wilhelm-Staab-Straße. Its history began with a hall opened by the Protestant Nikolaikirche parish in 1909. After destruction in April 1945, the parish and the newly established Potsdam radio station rebuilt it for worship, broadcasting and concerts. The parish later ceased using the premises, and a new concert building designed by Rudy Ricciotti opened in 2000. Its main auditorium accommodates 725 listeners. The programme includes classical and chamber music, jazz, film music, dance and performances for younger audiences. Potsdam waited a long time for a concert hall worthy of a residence city; the Nikolaisaal, opened in 2000 in the old town, gave it one. The Kammerakademie Potsdam is resident there, and the building has since become the anchor of the city's concert season, its main auditorium taking orchestral and choral programmes while a smaller room serves chamber music, jazz and work for children. Touring opera galas appear in the calendar alongside the subscription series.