Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is one of the most prestigious opera scenes in the world. The neo-Renaissance building was built in 1869 as one of the first luxurious buildings in the newly established Ringstrasse street. The building was designed by architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll and the construction was carried out by Czech architect Josef Hlávka. Today, the repertory of the Vienna State Opera is very extensive, ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. The opera house produces about 60 operas a year and also some ballet performances. There are 1,700 seats and 560 standing-room places, which are much cheaper. A visit to the Vienna State Opera can get quite expensive. The best way to save money is to buy unsold tickets minutes before the start of the performance. Visitors are advised to follow a certain dress code – evening dress for women and dark suit for men. Once a year, the Vienna Opera Ball takes place in the building, which opens with a waltz danced by a great number of young couples and is attended by the Austrian President. The ball has a long tradition and takes place annually (except for two years) and was first held in 1877. The backstage of the opera house can be visited on a guided tour. The building can be reached by car, which can be parked right in front of the building.
Useful information for visitors
Public transport connections
The closest public transport stops near the Vienna State Opera:
- Karlsplatz metro station
- Opernring tram station
- Kärntner Straße bus station
- Kärntner Ring tram station
Opening hours and admission
In addition to performances, there are also regular tours of the Vienna State Opera’s backstage. For up-to-date information about tours and admission fees, visit the official website. For the calendar of performances and online booking, click here.
Interesting facts about Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera officially opened with a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Elizabeth, known as Sisi, in 1869. The Opera Ball in the Vienna State Opera often attracts protests, as some people consider it an elitist event that people with ordinary income cannot attend.
