About this place
The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one of the premier opera houses in the world, opening in 1869 with Mozart’s 'Don Giovanni'. Despite its current beloved status, its neo-Renaissance architecture was initially mocked by the Viennese public and Emperor Franz Joseph, leading to a tragic end for its architects. Destroyed by WWII bombings in 1945, it was painstakingly rebuilt as a symbol of Austrian cultural rebirth. Today, it hosts over 350 performances a year and transforms annually into the world-famous Vienna Opera Ball.
Key facts
- 1869 year — The opera house opened with a performance of Mozart's 'Don Giovanni'
- 350 performances — Are held every single season, making it one of the busiest in the world
- 1945 year — The auditorium was completely destroyed by Allied bombing before being rebuilt
📍 Opernring 2, 1010, Wien