Hechtplatz

The Hechtplatz, in Zurich

The Hechtplatz is a charming little square of Zurich that shelters the theatre of the same name, a high place of cabaret and Swiss popular art. The Zurich audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this theatre founded in 1959, installed in a former premises that was even a fire station, classified in the Swiss cultural heritage, and famous for its fairytale stage that enchants children each winter.

The theatre of cabaret and tales

You cross the charming little Hechtplatz, where the theatre of the same name is. Founded in 1959 as a cabaret, it has been subsidised since 1961 by the city of Zurich. The building was originally a commercial premises, and it even served as a fire station before being converted into a theatre, with an adjoining café-bar. The hall counts two hundred and sixty seats and is devoted mainly to Swiss popular art, with a still very marked accent on shows of cabaret, of singers, of clowns and of mimes. Since 1981, the place is classified and listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural goods of regional importance, a guarantee of its heritage value. The theatre also shelters the fairytale stage for the little spectators of Zurich: each winter, for three months, the magic operates and great comedians, actors and Swiss personalities play there a tale from the national folklore, to the great delight of families. Intimate and warm, the Hechtplatz is one of those places that make the discreet charm of the Zurich cultural life, away from the great stages. The little square that surrounds it, lively and convivial, invites to strolling in the heart of the old town. A cabaret theatre and a stage of tales, the Hechtplatz is a fine stop of the discovery of Zurich.

What to see

Here you discover a charming little square of the old town and its theatre, founded in 1959 as a cabaret in a former premises that was even a fire station; classified in the Swiss cultural heritage, it is devoted to popular art, cabaret, singers and mimes, and hosts each winter a famous fairytale stage for children. The Hechtplatz is a place of charm of Zurich. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Hechtplatz lies in the old town of Zurich, near the lake and the Opera, reachable on foot or by tram. It is a public square freely accessible; the theatre follows its own programme and its hours, which vary. It is best to enquire for the shows. You discover it during a walk in the centre.

What is the theatre of the Hechtplatz in Zurich?

A theatre founded in 1959 as a cabaret, subsidised by the city since 1961, installed in a former premises that was even a fire station; classified in the Swiss cultural heritage since 1981, it is devoted to Swiss popular art, cabaret, singers, clowns and mimes, and hosts each winter a fairytale stage for children.

Where is the Hechtplatz in Zurich?

In the old town of Zurich, near the lake and the Opera, in Switzerland.