The Vienna Opera House is considered one of the world’s most important venues associated with music.
It also hosts 200 of the world’s best opera singers, which is why it is seen as the heart of Vienna’s musical life.
A magical place you must visit during your trip to Vienna, even if you’re not a classical music connoisseur.
History of the Vienna Opera House
The Vienna Opera House was commissioned by Emperor Franz Josef, who felt a need to expand the city and build public buildings.
As a result, the city expansion fund was created, and construction began in 1861 under architect August Sicard von Sicardsburg, who oversaw the structure, while Eduard van der Nüll designed the interiors.
Unfortunately, neither architect lived to see the completed work. Eduard van der Nüll died by suicide, and August Sicard von Sicardsburg passed away shortly after from a heart attack.
Notably, the opera house was designed in a Neo-Renaissance style, and its scale required many years to complete.
Renowned artist Moritz von Schwind contributed to the interior by painting frescos in the foyer and on the terrace.
On May 25, 1869, the theater was finally inaugurated with Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni, marking a major success for the city.
During the war, the opera house sustained heavy damage from bombings, although the main façade and grand staircase were preserved.
While reconstruction was underway, opera performances took place at the Volksoper and Theater an der Wien.
How to Visit the Vienna Opera House
Once in Vienna, don’t miss the chance to experience the Vienna Opera House, renowned both for its artistic performances and remarkable architecture.
Attending a Performance
One way to see the interior of the Vienna Opera House is by attending one of its performances, which range from opera, ballet, and even children’s opera.
The opera house also provides accessible seating for wheelchair users, along with spaces for companions.
It’s worth noting that these performances are in high demand, so tickets should be reserved in advance at the box office.
Our favorite is the Hofburg Orchestra concert, and you can get tickets here. Enjoy 90 minutes of one of the city’s finest performances.
Through a Guided Tour
Guided tours are a great option, offering fascinating insights into the history of Vienna, the building itself, and the world of opera.
These tours are organized by language groups. Lasting about 40 minutes, the visit begins in the lobby and ascends the grand staircase to reach the auditorium.
Along the way, you’ll see the stage, the tea room, and other elegant rooms. And if you visit between Tuesday and Sunday, you’ll also have the chance to visit the opera museum.
No need to book far in advance for guided tours—simply arrive at the entrance 15 minutes before the tour begins. For example, you can consider this private walking tour that includes the State Opera House.
It’s one of the best things to do in Vienna, whether you’re a music lover or not.
What to See at the Opera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3E_gC0FLgg
The Vienna Opera House is one of Austria’s most iconic landmarks.
It offers many highlights you won’t want to miss, each with its own story and unique appeal.
Walk of Fame
Near the Vienna Opera House lies the Walk of Fame, a beautiful boulevard created in 2002 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Theater an der Wien.
This path is located on a pedestrian street starting from the Naschmarkt market and ending at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The walkway is lined with marble stars honoring singers, musicians, and conductors, both living and departed, including Mozart, Bernstein, Wagner, Strauss, Verdi, Karajan, and many others.
Spanish artist Plácido Domingo is also honored on Vienna’s Walk of Fame.
Grand Staircase
The grand staircase is one of the most breathtaking spaces in the Vienna Opera House.
This magnificent marble masterpiece is adorned with mirrors and lamps leading up to the auditorium.
Around the staircase, you’ll also find sculptures by Josef Gasser, representing the seven liberal arts.
At the top of the grand staircase, there are reliefs created by Johann Preleuthner, symbolizing ballet, comic opera, and tragic opera.
Tea Room
Once inside the Vienna Opera House and past the Grand Staircase, you’ll arrive at the tea room.
Formerly known as the Franz Joseph room, it was a space where the emperor would relax with friends during intermissions.
In this room, you’ll see sculptures by August La Ligne and tapestries bearing the emperor’s initials, as well as Karl Madjera’s ceiling painting of music symbolized on an eagle’s wings.
Gustav Mahler Room
This room is located to the right of the Grand Staircase and is adorned with large, beautiful tapestries on the walls, making it worth a few minutes’ pause.
The room is named in honor of Gustav Mahler, who directed the opera from 1897 to 1907.
Until 1944, the director’s office was located in this room, where all directors, from Dingelstedt to Karl Böhm, conducted their concerts.
Auditorium
The most important hall in the Opera House was reconstructed after the 1945 war, preserving its traditional ivory, gold, and red colors.
The three tiers of boxes and two balconies that were used by the aristocracy during performances were also retained.
From 1991 to 1993, significant changes were made to the Vienna Opera House, such as the addition of the rehearsal room known as the “Carlos Kleiber Hall.”
The stage, heating, ventilation, and electrical supply systems have all been modernized. Additionally, fire protection systems throughout the building have been remodeled for improved safety.
It’s also worth noting that the Vienna Opera House boasts a 2,500-pipe organ, the largest organ housed within any opera theater in the world.
Tickets for the Vienna Opera House – Prices and Hours
To attend a performance at the Vienna Opera House, you have three options:
Beginning of the season
Purchase tickets at the start of the season through the official website. However, this option may be challenging for visitors due to the difficulty of planning months in advance.
Same-day box office
A slightly riskier option is to buy tickets on the day of the show at the venue. Please note that the box office opens an hour and a half before the performance starts, so it’s recommended to arrive well in advance.
This way, not only will you get to admire the building’s architecture, but you’ll also experience opera from a unique perspective.
Ticket prices vary depending on seating within the opera house and may also vary depending on the type of performance.
- For example, the most affordable tickets are for standing-room sections, which range from three to four euros.
- Prices for other seats start at 150 euros and up.
Guided tour
You can also take this guided tour through the city, ending at the Vienna Opera House. Here, the guide will share fascinating insights into the building’s architecture and reveal interesting facts about each part of the venue.
Show schedules are published on the opera’s website, with performances usually starting between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Children’s shows tend to be scheduled earlier in the day.
How to get to the Vienna State Opera
Once in the city, you can reach the Vienna Opera House by bus, taxi, train, tram, or metro.
For added convenience, several companies also offer vehicle rentals in the city.
- If you decide to take the Vienna metro, take lines 1 or 2 and get off at Karlsplatz station.
- If you choose the tram, you can take lines 1, 2, 62, or D and get off at the Wien Oper stop.
- Finally, if you prefer the bus, take lines 3A, 59A, 360, or L and get off at the Wien Oper stop.
So, if you’re interested in exploring the Vienna Opera House and are planning a trip to Austria’s capital, this is a destination you won’t want to miss.
Now there’s no excuse—enjoy your favorite music and the unforgettable charm of Vienna.