The original State Opera House, a neo-romantic building was officially opened on the 25th of May 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s DON JUAN in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph, the sovereign landlord, and Empress Elisabeth.
During World War II, the stage was destroyed by Allied bombs and the building gutted by fire on 12 March, 1945. The rebuilt theatre, seating more than 2,200, reopened on 5 Nov, 1955 with Beethoven's Fidelio with Karl Böhm conducting.
Looking at the building from the Opernring, in other words from the front, the historical part from the original 1869 building is visible. The façade remains in Renaissance arched style and the loggia on the Ringstrasse side underline the public character of the building.
Entering through one of the main doors into the box office foyer, which has remained in its original form, gives an immediate impression of the interior of the former opera house which was mostly destroyed on the 12th of March 1945 shortly before the end of hostilities in the Second World War. Remaining in its original form is the entire façade and main foyer, the central stairway (known as the ‘celebratory stairway’), the Schwindfoyer and loggia as well as the Tea Salon on the first floor.
Approximately 50 operas and 20 ballets are offered in the repertoire every season, which runs from 1 September to 30 June, which is not equaled by any other opera house in the world
Guided Tours
Various times a day
(Generally: 2pm & 3pm, but other times as well depending on season)
Price: 5 Euro (With museum 6.50 euro)
Address
Opernring 2
A - 1010 Vienna
Tel: +43(1) 51444-2250
E-mail: eva.dintsis@wiener-staatsoper.at
How to Get There
U-Bahn U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz
Trams: 1, 2, D, J, 62, 65
External Links
Vienna State Opera Official Web Site
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