Short info:
- Where is the State Opera? Opernring 2 / Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz, 1010 Vienna
- What is there? operas and ballet. You can find the schedule and ticket prices here. Here the guided tours.
- When is open? Depending on the event; Guided tours only after online reservation
- How much does entry cost? Depending on the event, a one-time tour is free with the NÖ-Card . The cheapest tickets are available from €14
The State Opera General
The Vienna State Opera is undoubtedly one of the most famous and renowned opera houses in the world. As one of the most important cultural centers in Vienna and Austria, the opera attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
The history
The history of the Vienna Opera dates back to the 19th century when the building was constructed in a neoclassical style. On May 25, 1869, the house was officially opened with Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth.
There is a dark period in the history of the house, which took place from 1938 to 1945 during the Nazi regime. During this time, many members of the house were persecuted, expelled, and even killed. In addition, numerous works that were performed in the house were banned. On March 12, 1945, the house on the Ring was badly damaged by bombing, but the “State Opera in the Volksoper” opened on May 1, 1945 with a performance of Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro”. On October 6, 1945, the Theater an der Wien, which had been hastily restored, reopened with Beethoven’s “Fidelio”.
The State Opera today
The program of the Vienna State Opera is known for its outstanding quality and variety of performances. Operas, ballets and concerts are held here, performed by the best artists from around the world. It’s not uncommon for performances to sell out months in advance. Each play is only performed 2-3 times a year. Only on 2 days in the whole year there is no performance.
The Vienna State Opera is an important place for the cultivation and dissemination of classical music and opera theatre. Many great artists started their careers here or achieved their international breakthrough. The Vienna State Opera also offers a platform for young, up-and-coming artists to show their skills and present themselves to a wide audience.
In addition to the excellent artistic quality, the Vienna State Opera is also known for its imposing and magnificent interior. The magnificent rooms are a real feast for the eyes and reflect the pomp and glory of the Austrian monarchy.
Guided tours
We highly recommend the guided tour. During the guided tours, an interesting look behind the scenes is granted. During a 40-minute tour, you will learn a lot of interesting facts about the history of the house, its architecture and opera operations. For example, the opera changes its program every day and, accordingly, the stage! For the opera “Aida” you need about 28 trucks, which bring all the elements to the arsenal to store them until the next performance.
From the foyer, the festive staircase leads through the state rooms (Tea Salon, Marble Hall, Schwind Foyer, Gustav Mahler Hall) to the auditorium (with a view of the stage).
The tours are offered in German and English, French and Spanish. Guided tours can only be purchased online (not by telephone) or 30 minutes before the respective tour at the tour desk (entrance at the corner of Opernring and Operngasse). There are only remaining places on site.
Tickets
You can find the schedule and all tickets here. Pre-orders for the whole season can be placed up to three days before the start of sales. The free sale always begins two months in advance on the first of the month, for the entire month.
Tip: The standing room box office opens daily 80 minutes before the start of the performance. Here you can also get tickets at short notice.
The best places
If you are still wondering where is the best place to sit, we have the answer for you. For visitors who want legroom, we recommend seats in the stalls, row K7 or K26. Otherwise the places K14-K16. For ballet, places A22 and A23 are a very good choice. Our tip for the best seat in the house: balcony, row 1, seats 1 and 3.
The Opera Ball
The opera ball is known all over the world. This is an annual dance event that takes place in the Vienna State Opera and is considered one of the most important social events in Austria. It’s an event where celebrities, politicians and business people come together to dance, party and network. Guests will wear elegant evening attire while the event will be attended by a large number of media representatives from around the world. Anyone who wants to can buy tickets. The piece costs €360 and entitles you to dance the whole evening. Consumption is of course extra.
And for a mere €24,000 you can even rent a box 😉
Famous guests in recent years have included Roger Moore, Harry Belafonte, Sophia Loren, Grace Jones, Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock, Brigitte Nielsen, Ivana Trump, Andie MacDowell, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and more.
Conclusion
Overall, one can say that the Vienna Opera is a cultural jewel that not only attracts Viennese but also tourists from all over the world. The Opera House is an important part of Vienna’s cultural scene and a place to experience the diversity and beauty of classical music and opera theatre.
In the vicinity: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, The Butterfly House, Austrian National Library – Literature Museum, House of Music