Nibelungen Festival, Worms
Location
Worms, Germany
Year
2003 – 2026
Products
Grandstands, stadiums and arenas
Since 2003, NUSSLI has been supporting the Nibelungen Festival in Worms with temporary event infrastructure, providing the structural foundation year after year for one of Germany’s most famous open-air theaters. Against the impressive backdrop of Worms Cathedral, temporary grandstands, sound barriers, and the substructure for the stage set are erected, upon which each new production comes to life.
A theater stage in front of one of Germany's most important cathedrals
The Nibelungen Festival takes place at one of Germany’s most historic venues. Worms Cathedral not only provides an impressive backdrop for the performances but is also an integral part of the overall experience. Temporary structures must therefore blend harmoniously into the historic surroundings while simultaneously meeting all requirements for safety, functionality, and audience comfort. For NUSSLI, this means particularly meticulous planning. The temporary grandstands and stage structures are designed to respect the character of the historic site while creating optimal conditions for the performance, technical operations, and the audience.
A new set design every year
No two seasons are alike. With every new production come new creative ideas, new set designs, and new technical requirements. As the stories surrounding the Nibelungen saga are constantly reinterpreted, the entire stage architecture also changes from year to year. NUSSLI provides the technical foundation for this. The substructure of the set is custom-designed and serves as a stable foundation for the set designers’ creative visions. Thanks to the modular construction system, a wide range of shapes, loads, materials, and design concepts can be flexibly implemented. This allows new theatrical worlds to be created every year without having to compromise on safety, stability, or functionality. It is precisely this combination of technical precision and creative freedom that has made this project a special undertaking for many years.
Bernward Betram
Bernward Betram
Construction of Grandstands for Open-Air Theaters
In addition to the stage, NUSSLI is constructing the spectator stands and the sound barrier, thereby creating optimal conditions for a high-quality open-air theater experience. The stands offer visitors a clear view of the stage and the imposing Worms Cathedral, which serves as an integral part of the production. The sound barrier helps to acoustically isolate the performances from the urban environment while also protecting the surrounding area. Together, the grandstand, sound barrier, and stage substructure form a coordinated temporary theater infrastructure that meets the high standards of a professional open-air production.
Temporary Construction with Respect for the Venue
The Nibelungen Festival showcases the possibilities offered by temporary event structures. All structures are erected for the duration of the event series and completely dismantled once it concludes. This ensures the long-term preservation of the historic venue while simultaneously creating a modern infrastructure for an international cultural event. The modular construction system enables quick setup times, precise assembly, and the resource-efficient reuse of components in future projects. This combination of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability makes temporary structures an ideal solution for cultural events at historically significant sites.
