Saarland State Theatre – Saarbrücken

Project Overview

  • LocationSaarbrücken, Germany
  • ClientVisionTwo GmbH
  • Planning ConsultantSchaller Ingenieure
  • Installation PartnerIndustrial Arts GmbH
  • CompletionAug-24

Opened in 1938, The Saarland State Theatre in Saarbrücken is a significant cultural landmark for the region featuring a blend of classical and modern design elements. As the largest and most significant performing arts venue in the Saarland region, it hosts a diverse program of opera, drama, ballet, and orchestral performances.

The venue required a complete modernisation of its auditorium lighting while preserving its rich architectural heritage. The project led by our distribution partners at VisionTwo and in collaboration with Industrial Arts GmbH and Schaller Ingenieure, involved retrofitting a dated Halogen installation with modern, efficient, and highly dynamic LED solution.

The goal of the project was to replace the inefficient 750W ceiling floodlights, feature chandelier, and auditorium lighting with highly efficient, controllable lighting. A delicate balance that must consider numerous listed architectural elements whilst simultaneously integrating modern lighting solutions.

The results are breathtaking. Another truly astounding project from concept to delivery. A remarkable result in collaboration with some highly talented teams.

Solutions Provided

The modernisation of the Saarbrücken State Theatres auditorium lighting centered on upgrading the central chandelier and ceiling floodlights with state-of-the-art LED technology. The chandelier, previously fitted with maintenance-intensive 20W halogen bulbs, now boasts around 400 custom-designed GDS Capsule Lamps. 3W LED plug-in bulbs with Fade-to-Warm technology, ensures beautifully smooth dimming and a natural light tone. These are controlled via our DriveHub system, seamlessly integrated with the theatres’ broader lighting network.

The outdated 750W ceiling floodlights were replaced with 32 adjustable RGBW LED floodlights, strategically positioned to enhance the illumination of Fritz Zolnhofer’s ceiling painting. Their advanced optics and interchangeable lenses allow precise light distribution, restoring the artwork’s vibrancy and enabling dynamic lighting effects within the auditorium.

A key element of the renovation was the introduction of the GDS Globe luminaire, designed to complement the theatre’s historic aesthetic while incorporating modern lighting technology. Based on the GDS Puppis series, these luminaires feature crackled glass spheres, a design choice that balanced historical authenticity with contemporary performance. The installation was streamlined by GDS’ IPM protocol, allowing us to repurpose legacy cabling and minimise structural alterations. The project, led by VisionTwo, GDS, and Schaller Ingenieure, achieved a 70% reduction in energy consumption while increasing lighting levels by 50%, demonstrating a seamless blend of innovation and heritage preservation.

"With the new ceiling floodlights, we can not only better highlight the ceiling painting, but also transfer the feeling of different lighting moods and effects (e.g. thunderstorms) into the auditorium."

Bjorn Schöck

Lighting Master (Saarbruken State Theatre)

"As planners, we demand the high lighting quality that is as close as possible to the ideal of existing halogen or incandescent lighting. The same applies to smooth dimming, and video compatibility of the components used. The luminaires developed by GDS for this project, together with proven GDS drive systems easily met the high quality requirements. "

Florian Schaller

Managing Director (Schaller Ingenieure)

"‘For over ten years, we at VisionTwo have been successfully collaborating with GDS on custom construction projects. During this time, an extraordinary partnership has developed, characterised by a spirit of innovation and creative solutions. I am continually impressed by their exceptional commitment."

Anke Schierenbeck

Project Management Lead (VisionTwo GmbH)