Düsseldorf cancels new opera house construction due to cost overruns (faz.net)

• Düsseldorf cancels new opera; costs estimated at €1.8 billion.
• City must renovate old opera house; former department store site uncertain.
• Risk of domino effect on other German cultural projects.

"The city of Düsseldorf has abruptly canceled the planned new construction of the Opera on the Rhine. The primary reason is financial: total costs over a 50-year financing period were estimated at €1.8 billion, far exceeding the original €1 billion cap. The existing Bonatz building will now need renovation. The decision may trigger a domino effect on other major cultural projects across Germany."