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Vienna State Opera
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Guided tours, 7 days a week, 10:00-15:00 For opera and ballet performances, depending on the show schedules; there are 300 performances yearly.
The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one of the top opera venues in the world. It offers first-class program in opera and ballet throughout the year with over 50 productions. Famous works of Mozart, Wagner, Puccini, Verdi, Tchaikovsky and other classic masters are performed with great success in front of large audience (1,709 seated, 567 standing) and broadcasted on the large screens in front of the opera or online via live TV channel.
Introduction
Facts and Figures
History and Architecture
- Construction Began: 1861
- Opened: May 25, 1869, with Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”
- Architects: August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll
- Style: Neo-Renaissance
- World War II: The opera house was heavily damaged by a bomb in 1945 and subsequently rebuilt.
- Reopening: The rebuilt opera house reopened in 1955 with a performance of Beethoven’s “Fidelio.”
Structure and Capacity
- Seating Capacity: Approximately 1,709 seats
- Standing Room: 567 standing places
- Main Hall: The auditorium is renowned for its excellent acoustics and opulent design, featuring a grand staircase, marble decor, and ornate ceiling.
Performances
- Season: The Vienna State Opera season runs from September to June.
- Repertoire: It offers around 50 different operas and 10 ballets each season, with more than 300 performances annually.
- Notable Productions: The opera house has hosted premieres of works by Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, and other significant composers.
Visitor Information
Guided Tours
- Availability: Tours are available daily and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the opera house, including the main auditorium, the stage, and the state rooms.
- Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
- Languages: Offered in various languages, including English and German
- Tickets:
- Adults: €12
- Seniors (65+), Students (under 27): €9
- Children (under 15): €7
- Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or online.
Performance Tickets
- Prices: Range from €10 for standing room to over €200 for the best seats.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online through the Vienna State Opera’s official website, at the box office, or via authorized ticket agents.
- Standing Room: Standing room tickets are sold on the day of the performance and are a budget-friendly option for experiencing world-class opera.
Dress Code
- Formal Attire: While there is no strict dress code, attendees often dress formally, especially for premieres and special events. Business attire or smart casual is generally acceptable for regular performances.
Facilities and Services
- Accessibility: The opera house is wheelchair accessible, with designated seating and facilities for visitors with disabilities.
- Cloakroom: A cloakroom service is available for storing coats and bags during performances.
- Restaurants and Bars: Several bars and a restaurant within the opera house offer refreshments and light meals.
- Gift Shop: The on-site shop sells souvenirs, opera-related merchandise, and music recordings.
How to Get There
- Public Transport:
- Subway (U-Bahn): Lines U1, U2, and U4 to “Karlsplatz” station
- Tram: Lines 1, 2, D, and 62 to “Oper/Karlsplatz” stop
- Bus: Lines 59A to “Oper” stop
- Walking: The opera house is centrally located, making it easily accessible by foot from many of Vienna’s main attractions.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive Early: Arriving at least 30 minutes before the performance starts is recommended, especially if you have standing room tickets.
- Explore the Building: Take some time to admire the architecture and historical features of the building.
- Plan Ahead: Check the performance schedule and book tickets in advance, as popular shows can sell out quickly.
- Intermission: Make use of the intermission to explore the building further or enjoy a drink at one of the bars.
The opera was opened in 1869 and it was originally not very popular with Viennese people, due to large construction works in the area and they even referred to the building as a “sunken treasure chest”. However, with tenure of Gustav Mahler from 1897, opera repertoire started attracting steady audience.
By the end of WWII, the opera building was partly destroyed during the bombing and it was restored only in 1955, when modern era of Vienna State Opera begins.
Herbert von Karajan started his tenure in 1957 and introduced few new practices: operas were performed exclusively in their original languages and he started collaborating with other opera houses, such as La Scala in Milan. This enabled both orchestras and ensembles to be shared between the opera houses and further enrich the performances.
Today, Vienna State Opera is an established institution with 100 milion Euro yearly budget and performances that are considered as one of the best in the world, both by general public and critics alike. The opera is also known for its efforts to make their performance available to the masses with affordable tickets and public broadcasts.
With its central position, Vienna State Opera is very popular attraction and great photo shoot opportunity for Vienna visitors.
Conclusion
The Vienna State Opera is a must-visit destination for opera enthusiasts and anyone interested in experiencing Vienna’s rich cultural heritage. With its impressive history, magnificent architecture, and world-class performances, a visit to the Wiener Staatsoper offers an unforgettable experience.
