Switzerland's oldest recorded professional theatre and the only multifunctional venue in the Eastern Switzerland/Lake Constance region has a long history.

Instigated by the Benedictine monks Tutilo and Notker, theatre in St. Gallen began in the Middle Ages – and became professional in 1801. Since the end of the 1960s, the theatre has been permanently based in the Paillard building in the museum district, with more than 200 performances a year.

Opera, drama, dance, musicals, children's and youth theatre are the main attractions at the St. Gallen Theatre. Performances for children and young people are held both at the theatre and in schools. Since 2010, the renovated Lokremise (locomotive depot) has provided a second permanent venue, offering space for productions that require an unconventional setting.