History
Brewer Frederick Pabst had built Das Neue Deutsche Stadt-Theater (The New German City Theater) in 1890, but it was destroyed in a fire. Pabst ordered it rebuilt at once, and The Pabst Theater opened in 1895.
The Pabst was designed by architect Otto Strack in the tradition of European opera houses and the German Renaissance Revival style. He made it one of the most fire-proof theaters of its day, as well as one of the most opulent.
The Pabst played an important role in the German American culture of early 20th century Milwaukee, when the city was called "Deutsch Athen" (German Athens). It was home to the German theater company for many years, but later began including performances from other nationalities.
The Pabst has undergone several renovations, the first of which was in 1928. In 1976, after a long decline, it was restored to its original style. In 1989, a colonnade was added to connect the theater to the Milwaukee Center. The latest renovations took place in 2000 after the theater's purchase by the Pabst Theater Foundation, started by Michael Cudahy; elevators were added, the ventilation system was modernized, more bathrooms were added, and some seats were replaced. The theater also added Cudahy’s Irish Pub to the lobby.
As the Pabst Theater was designed after the best German Opera Houses, the acoustics are outstanding.
Read more about this topic: Pabst Theater
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