Built 1800-1801 as "Königliches National-Theater" by Carl Gotthard Langhans, next to the old "Nationaltheater" (built 1776 as "Französisches Komödienhaus" by Johann Bouman sr., 1786 renovated, 1787 renamed "Nationaltheater", demolished 1802 after the opening of the new theatre). Opened 1 Jan 1802 with the world premiere of August von Kotzebue's drama "Die Kreuzfahrer" and with Johann Friedrich Reichardt's opera "Das Zauberschloß". 1811 renamed "Schauspielhaus", used by the "Königliche Schauspiele" company. Destroyed by a fire on 29 July 1817.

[From 1818-1821, a new Schauspielhaus was built on the site by Karl Friedrich Schinkel.]

Notable world premieres:

• E. T. A. Hoffmann: Undine (3 Aug 1816)