Vienna State Opera
Vienna, Austria

Vienna State Opera - a famous building in Vienna with an annual ball

Where is located Vienna State Opera?

Address of Vienna State Opera is Opernring 2, 1010, Vienna, Austria
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When was built Vienna State Opera?

Built date of Vienna State Opera is 1861 - 1869
May 20, 1863 - laying of the cornerstone
May 25, 1869 - opening date

Vienna State Opera

Facts, informations and history of Vienna State Opera

Construction work on the building began in 1861 and lasted eight years - until 1869. The building was opened on May 25, 1869, with the opera "Don Giovanni" in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and Empress Elisabeth.

The most famous opera house in Austria was designed by August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll. It was built by the famous Czech architect and contractor Josef Hlávka. The opera was met with a wave of harsh criticism and ridicule, which led Eduard to commit suicide.

The Vienna State Opera, known locally as the Wiener Staatsoper, was originally called the Vienna Court Opera. In 1920, with the replacement of the Habsburg monarchy by the First Austrian Republic, it was renamed the Vienna State Opera.

The building is constructed in a neo-Renaissance style.

At the end of World War II, on March 12, 1945, the opera house was severely damaged by the bombing of Austria. The auditorium, stage, all decor and costumes were destroyed by fire.

Over the years there have been discussions about the future fate of the building. It was discussed whether the opera house should be renovated to its original form or completely demolished and built in another location. In the end, it was decided to restore the opera house in the same place.

The restored Wiener Staatsoper opened its doors on 5 November 1955, with Beethoven's "Fidelio" opening the season. Today, there are more than 200 performances in the Vienna State Opera's repertoire.

Looking at the front of the building from the ring road, you can see the original structure, which has been preserved since 1869.

On the main façade of the loggia, statues of two riders on horseback were placed in 1876 by Ernst Julius Hähnel. They depict Eraton's two winged horses being led by "Harmony and the Muse of Poetry".

On the arches above the veranda are five bronze statues of Hähnel, representing the qualities of heroism, tragedy, fantasy, comedy and love. On either side of the building are two fountains by Josef Gasser that represent two different worlds: music, dance, joy and lightness on one side, and seduction, sorrow, love and revenge on the other.

The beautifully decorated staircase, the tea room or the foyer are just some of the many attractions inside the building. Most of them are decorated by beautiful marble statues representing arts such as music, dance and sculpture. Other areas are decorated with numerous silk wall panels and coats of arms, busts of composers, and scenes from legendary operatic works.

The chandelier consists of three tons of Bohemian crystal and 1,100 bulbs, 22 feet in diameter and 16 feet high. It has its own maintenance aisles and takes more than a week to clean and is done from the ceiling because it cannot be lowered.

The horseshoe-shaped main auditorium can accommodate 2,284 spectators, including 1,709 seated, 567 standing, 4 wheelchair spaces and 4 wheelchair companion spaces. The auditorium uses the traditional colors of red, gold and ivory, and the large central chandelier has been replaced by a ring of recessed ceiling lights made of crystal glass for safety.

The stage appears small at 88 feet tall, but behind its curtain, the remaining portion of the stage is four times the size of the massive auditorium. The huge stage allows the various sets to be rotated by hydraulic elevators, which require so much power that the Vienna Opera has two substations of its own.

One of the most important annual events is the ball, which takes place in the Wiener Staatsoper building in mid-February. 180 pairs of young people dance the waltz.

The Vienna State Opera is considered one of Austria's landmarks. The season at the Opera House runs from September to June with operas, operettas, ballet and concerts. It attracts many tourists, cultural and media people from all over the world every year.

Architect of Vienna State Opera

Architect of Vienna State Opera is August Sicard von Sicardsburg, Eduard van der Nüll

How many meters have Vienna State Opera?

Height of Vienna State Opera is 65 meters

how many meters have Vienna State OperaScale

Construction/building type

Building Vienna State Opera is of type Opera house

Architectural style

Architectural style of Vienna State Opera is Neo-Renaissance

Neo-Renaissance is an architectural style that was created in the 19th century and drew on the tradition of the Renaissance, but also on other styles from the past, such as Baroque or Rococo. The aim of the Neo-Renaissance was to recreate the spirit of the Renaissance and its ideas of humanism, but in a modern edition. ... czytaj więcej.

Practical informations

Vienna State Opera

What is the cost of entry for Vienna State Opera?

Tickets for Vienna State Opera are available at the following prices and variants:
Guided tour + museum (Tuesday - Sunday):
Adults: €7.50
Seniors: 6 €
Students: 3,50 €

Opera Museum (Tuesday - Sunday):
Adults: 3 €
Seniors: 2,50 €
Students: 2 €

At what times is open Vienna State Opera?

Vienna State Opera is open or accessible to the public on the following dates and times:

  • Tours are available Monday through Sunday, usually from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Official website

The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/

Questions and answers

Is admission to the Vienna State Opera paid?

Yes, admission to opera performances at the Vienna State Opera is paid. Ticket prices depend on the seating area, date, and production. There are also discounted tickets available for students and seniors.

Is it necessary to book tickets for the Vienna State Opera in advance?

Booking tickets for the Vienna State Opera is not always necessary, but it is recommended, especially during the opera season, as performances can sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.

Can you watch performances at the Vienna State Opera in Polish?

At the Vienna State Opera, performances are usually presented in their original operatic languages, such as Italian, German, or French. Subtitles in many languages, including Polish, are often available.

Is there a dress code at the Vienna State Opera?

There is a dress code at the Vienna State Opera. Elegant attire is suggested, especially for evening performances. It is recommended to avoid sportswear or short skirts.

Does admission to the Vienna State Opera include a tour of the building?

Yes, a ticket to a performance at the Vienna State Opera often includes the possibility of visiting parts of the building, such as the foyer or the auditorium. It is also possible to purchase tickets solely for guided tours.

Can you take photographs during a tour of the Vienna State Opera?

Photography inside the opera hall during a performance is usually prohibited. However, during tours of other parts of the building, such as the foyer, taking photos is generally allowed.

Does the Vienna State Opera also host concerts or events other than opera performances?

Yes, in addition to opera performances, the Vienna State Opera also hosts concerts, ballets, and various cultural events. The event schedule is available on the official website of the opera.

Can you tour the Vienna State Opera without attending a performance?

Yes, it is possible to tour the Vienna State Opera without attending a performance. Tour tickets allow you to visit the most important parts of the building and learn about the history and behind-the-scenes aspects of this unique theater.

Are subtitles available during performances at the Vienna State Opera?

Yes, subtitles in many languages are often available during performances at the Vienna State Opera, enabling a better understanding of the musical text and storyline.

Does admission to the Vienna State Opera include a tour of the costume or stage workshops?

A ticket to a performance at the Vienna State Opera usually does not include a tour of the costume or stage workshops. However, special thematic tours are sometimes organized, allowing visitors to see the behind-the-scenes production.

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Anita
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Anita
2 years ago
Byłam kilka lat temu na jednym spektaklu w tej operze, w prezencie od męża. Wspomnienie niesamowiete, polecam wszystkim :)
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