Major fire destroys old operetta in Leuben: A tragic loss for Dresden!

Major fire destroys old operetta in Leuben: A tragic loss for Dresden!

In the early evening hours of June 6, 2025, a devastating fire broke out in the old state operetta in Leuben, Dresden. The fire department was alerted at 7:37 p.m. and when the emergency services arrived, the roof structure was already on fire. The rear area of ​​the listed building was fully engulfed in flames; more than 50 firefighters were on duty, supported by drones with thermal imaging cameras. Despite intensive extinguishing work, only “fire out” was reported at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. The building is considered to be completely burned out, the former auditorium has collapsed, and the risk of further collapse makes it impossible to enter the main building Day24 reported.

The situation was worrying for residents. Residents and waiting passengers had gathered on Pillnitzer Strasse to watch what was happening. Police were on site and closed the area for the safety of citizens. In order to avert possible dangers, two neighboring residential buildings had to be evacuated. Residents were also asked to keep windows and doors closed as the smoke drifted towards Heidenau.

Cultural Heritage in Danger

The loss of the old operetta not only affects the local residents, but also Dresden's cultural heritage. Wolfgang Schaller, the former director of the State Operetta, expressed his dismay at the destruction and criticized the fact that the theater has been empty for almost ten years and has already suffered vandalism. Olivia Delauré, a former singer in the ensemble, also couldn't hide her sadness over the fire. She looks back on many memorable performances and remembers the final curtain of the operetta, as it was in Sächsische.de is held.

The cause of the fire remains unclear at this time, although investigations are already underway. Dr. Rainer Kempe, head of the citizens' initiative "Animate Old Operetta Leuben", suspects that the ignition may have been started by young people, which could trigger a profound discussion about the protection of such cultural assets. Major fires like this are particularly devastating for historical buildings and not only lead to material loss, but also to a deep cut in the cultural identity of a city FeuerTrutz shows.

For the residents who have to deal with the loss of this cultural meeting place, there remains hope that the house will be rebuilt and revived. The banner above the former visitor entrance calls for the house to be revitalized and shows the population's unwavering desire to remain true to their cultural identity. The fire may have set back plans for revitalization, but the spirit of the operetta will live on in people's hearts.