Vienna State Opera
Wien
The Vienna State Opera, located on the Vienna Ring Road, is one of the world's most prestigious opera houses and a landmark of Austrian cultural history. Constructed between 1861 and 1869 in the Neo-Renaissance style by architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll, it was the first major building on the Ringstraße and was inaugurated in 1869 with Mozart's Don Giovanni in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth. The building houses 1,709 seats and is home to the Vienna State Ballet and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, whose members are recruited from the opera's orchestra. Despite initial public criticism and tragedy surrounding its architects, the opera developed into a leading European institution. It endured significant damage during World War II bombings in 1945, which destroyed the auditorium and stage, but the front foyer and main stairways survived. The opera was temporarily relocated before restoration. The Vienna State Opera also hosts the famous annual Vienna Opera Ball, a highlight of Vienna's social calendar. Its rich history includes the influence of Gustav Mahler, who modernized stage design and performance practices during his tenure as conductor from 1897 to 1907. Today, it remains a vibrant center for opera and ballet, attracting visitors worldwide.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance, especially for popular performances and the annual Vienna Opera Ball. The best time to visit is during the opera season from autumn to spring. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Guided tours of the opera house offer insights into its history and architecture, enhancing the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •The Vienna State Opera was the first major building constructed on Vienna's Ringstraße.
- •Its opening performance in 1869 was Mozart's Don Giovanni, attended by Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth.
- •The auditorium and stage were destroyed by fire during an American bombing raid in 1945, but the foyer and main stairways survived.
- •Gustav Mahler introduced the practice of dimming theatre lights during performances here.
- •The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra recruits all its members from the opera's orchestra.
History
The Vienna State Opera was built between 1861 and 1869 as the first major building on the Vienna Ringstraße, commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Its architects, August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll, tragically died before its completion.
The opera house opened in 1869 with Mozart's Don Giovanni.
Gustav Mahler served as conductor from 1897 to 1907, introducing important artistic reforms.
The building suffered severe damage during an American bombing raid in 1945, destroying the auditorium and stage, but was later restored.
The opera resumed performances in temporary venues until the reopening of the restored building.
Place Guide
Main Auditorium1869
The grand hall with 1,709 seats where opera and ballet performances take place, renowned for its excellent acoustics and opulent Neo-Renaissance design.
Foyer and Grand Staircase1869
The preserved entrance area featuring frescoes by Moritz von Schwind, elegant marble staircases, and richly decorated interiors that survived World War II bombings.
Vienna State Ballet
Resident ballet company performing regularly in the opera house, contributing to Vienna's rich performing arts tradition.
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
The world-renowned orchestra whose members are exclusively recruited from the Vienna State Opera orchestra, playing a vital role in the city's musical life.
Contact
Phone: 01 514442250
