Grand Theatre,
TAKASAKI CITY THEATRE

One of the largest theaters in Japan with the widest stage frontage, accommodating music and stage performances of all times and places

In September 2019, the Takasaki City Theater opened at the east exit of Takasaki Station.
The 2027-seat Grand Theater is a multipurpose hall with excellent facilities, and is furnished with a stage mechanism to accommodate a wide range of performances. Acoustic reflectors transform the theater into a music space similar to that of a concert hall, and the pure classical music flows out to every corner of the auditorium. With one of the widest stage fronts in Japan, the theater can host diverse large-scale concerts and stage performances.

Two tiers of red seats impart a sense of unity

The seating gently spreads out in a fan shape with the chairs arranged in an arc. The pursuit of a 'theater for an aging society' spurred the decision to accommodate over two thousand seats on two levels of seating. By limiting the seating to two floors, we reduced the number of steps to access the seats, and created an auditorium where everyone can enjoy performances peacefully. The simple layout of having seats on the first and second floors creates a sense of unity between the audience and the stage in a large space.
Along with the seating formation, the red upholstery of the chairs greatly magnifies the sense of homogeneity of the theater space. Red in the theater stirs a sense of the extraordinary and heightens a sense of elation. The textile designers at FABRIKO Co., Ltd. grasped this purpose and brought the design into reality. Multicolored weft (horizontal threads) are woven into the fabric using red threads as the base. The design appears plain from afar, but as one gets closer, the braid threads and accentuating colored threads show up and the depth of color and the simple striped pattern appear rich and expressive, representing the diversity of cultural arts. In harmony with the interior and the reddish wood of the chairs, it unifies the entire hall in a stately and beautiful manner.

Tasteful chair with a curved finishing

The chair is designed with many curves, reminding one of musical instruments. This design is in sync with the design of the hall walls, creating a sense of unity. The backboard framing the back cushion is gently curved, as if reaching out to the neighboring seat, giving the impression of the seats being connected.
The armrests are designed in a mountain shape, with an elevated center portion. People on adjacent chairs can rest their arms without any hassle on the armrests that are provided on either sides of the chair. Many prototypes were tested before finalizing this design. The side where the palm rests is straight, and the elbow side is angled sufficiently for ease of arm placement. The open space under the armrests adds a dash of playfulness with it being visible and concealed as the seat is lowered or raised. Although slim-shaped seats are popular in halls these days, we have used a shape with plenty of thick cushions from end to end to bring forth a sense of dignity when experiencing culture and art. The lines carved into the wood on the back of the seat gel well with the stripes of the upholstery, and accentuate the design of the seat which has many curves.
The three-dimensional back cushion snuggles around the curve of the spine in the sitting posture, and the seat is equipped with wave-shaped springs that distribute body pressure for comfortable seating.

Facility Overview

The Takasaki City Theater, inheriting and evolving the history and spirit of the Gunma Music Center built in 1961, opened in September 2019 and it creates and spreads a new urban culture in Takasaki. Located at the east exit of JR Takasaki Station, it has excellent accessibility. In addition to the Grand Theater, Studio Theater, and Music Hall, there are nine other studios. Great expectations are pinned on this complex as a place for "appreciation, creation, and sharing" of various genres of music and performing arts in Takasaki, a "City with music".

Other Space

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