Berlin theatre puts up public pool to protest decaying infrastructure
02.06.2026, dpa
Berlin's Volksbühne, one of the city's most acclaimed theatres, is set to put up a free public pool outside its premises this summer to protest against the lack of funding to improve the city's crumbling infrastructure, according to its new artistic director.
Matthias Lilienthal revealed the plans at the start of his tenure on Tuesday, which saw him succeed long-time Volksbühne artistic director René Pollesch, who suddenly passed away two years ago.
The 25-metre pool on Rosa Luxemburg Square outside the Volksbühne, which is located in Berlin's central Mitte district, will be available to the public between August and October, Lilienthal said, adding that a stall would also be set up to offer fries - a staple at German public pools.
He described the stunt as an opportunity to show that the Volksbühne considers it to be a theatrical event "when two people splash water at each other."
However, the main aim was to protest the decay of Berlin's infrastructure, including schools, public transport, universities and public pools, he said.
Berlin has long been notoriously short on public funding, with the capital lacking the strong industrial base boosting other German regions.
Over recent years, the city's many public pools have become a flashpoint of the issue, with many closed for extensive stretches due to slow renovation work.
“We are delighted that we are able to alleviate the shortage of outdoor swimming pools, at least a little, for two months,” said Lilienthal.
The "Volksbad" pool will be open to the public "free of charge and without the need for identification," the theatre said in a press release.
Another controversy linked to Berlin's pools has arisen in recent years, with police repeatedly called to outdoor pools amid a rising number of brawls between guests.
Public operator Berliner Bäder-Betriebe responded by introducing ID checks at the pools in 2023, which drew criticism from pro-migrant activists, among others, who argued that the measure prevents undocumented people from accessing the pools.
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