From its elegant Neo-Renaissance architecture to its glittering crystal chandeliers, the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is more than just an opera house – it‘s a temple to the art of music. For over a century and a half, this august institution in the heart of Austria‘s capital has hosted many of the greatest operas, composers, singers and conductors the world has ever known. Let‘s take a deep dive into the history and continuing legacy of one of classical music‘s most revered venues.
Construction and Early Days
The story of the Vienna State Opera begins in the mid-19th century. In 1857, Emperor Franz Joseph I decreed that a new court opera house should be built to replace the old Kärntnertortheater. A public design competition was held, and out of 97 submissions the winning design came from the architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll.
Construction began in 1861 and took eight years to complete, at a cost of 6.5 million guilders (approximately €500 million in today‘s money). The building exemplified the Neo-Renaissance style, with arched windows, ornate stone carvings, and a loggia topped by gilded statues. On May 25, 1869, the Staatsoper officially opened with a performance of Mozart‘s "Don Giovanni."
However, the initial reception was mixed. Some critics derided the opera house as the "sunken box" or "stone turtle" due to its blocky shape and flat roof. Sadly, neither of the architects lived to see the opening – van der Nüll committed suicide and von Sicardsburg died of tuberculosis – and some blamed the harsh criticism for their untimely demises.
The Golden Age
Despite the inauspicious beginning, the Vienna State Opera quickly established itself as one of Europe‘s premier venues for opera and ballet. Many masterpieces of the repertoire had their world premieres on the Staatsoper stage, including:
- Verdi‘s "Don Carlos" (1867)
- Brahms‘ "A German Requiem" (1867)
- Johann Strauss Jr.‘s "Die Fledermaus" (1874)
- Bruckner‘s Symphony No. 8 (1892)
- Mahler‘s "Rienzi" (1907)
- Richard Strauss‘ "Der Rosenkavalier" (1911)
Renowned composers and conductors also held posts at the Vienna State Opera. Gustav Mahler served as director from 1897-1907, revolutionizing the staging of operas like Wagner‘s Ring Cycle. His successor was Felix Weingartner, followed by Richard Strauss and Clemens Krauss. Other luminaries associated with the Staatsoper in its early decades included Wagner, Bruckner, Brahms, and Liszt.
World War II and Reconstruction
On March 12, 1945, the Vienna State Opera suffered a near-death blow. Allied bombers struck the building, leaving the auditorium and stage a smoldering heap of rubble. U.S. troops reportedly used the ruins as a temporary barracks after the war.
But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Staatsoper was reborn. A rebuild commenced in 1947, led by the architect Erich Boltenstern, and the opera house reopened on November 5, 1955 – Austria‘s national day. The first performance, fittingly, was Beethoven‘s "Fidelio," a stirring ode to freedom.
By the Numbers
Today, the Vienna State Opera is one of the busiest opera houses in the world. Some key statistics:
- 350+ performances per season
- 60+ operas and ballets in the repertoire
- 600,000 visitors per year
- 180,000 guided tour visitors per year
- 1,709 seats and 567 standing spots in the auditorium
- 110 musicians in the Vienna State Opera Orchestra
- 92 singers in the Vienna State Opera Chorus
The Vienna State Opera also serves as the home of the illustrious Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The world-famous ensemble recruits its members exclusively from the opera‘s orchestra and gives several concerts at the Staatsoper each year, including the hugely popular New Year‘s Concert.
Another glittering event is the Vienna Opera Ball, held annually on the last Thursday before Ash Wednesday. The auditorium is transformed into a huge ballroom, and over 5000 visitors – including Austrian and foreign dignitaries – waltz the night away in full evening dress. Tickets are highly coveted and can cost up to €20,000.
Planning Your Visit
No trip to Vienna is complete without experiencing the grandeur of the Vienna State Opera firsthand. Even if you can‘t attend a performance, guided tours (offered up to nine times daily) give you a behind-the-scenes look at the stunning foyer, majestic main staircase, state rooms, and auditorium. Tours cost €9 for adults and last around 40 minutes.
If you want to see an opera or ballet, plan well ahead – popular shows can sell out months in advance. Tickets range from €14 for a standing spot (be prepared to line up early!) to €200+ for the best seats. The Staatsoper also sells same-day standing room tickets at the box office for €10.
There is no formal dress code, but most patrons dress up a bit – think business casual at minimum. If you want to emulate the Viennese, don your finest tux or gown for a big premiere or weekend performance.
The opera house is centrally located in the Innere Stadt district, close to many of Vienna‘s top attractions. Before the show, you can stroll along the Ringstrasse, visit the Albertina museum, or do some window shopping on the posh Kärntner Strasse. Nearby dining options range from the iconic Café Sacher (home of the sachertorte) to the cozy Augustinerkeller beer hall.
A Living Legend
At over 150 years old, the Vienna State Opera remains a vital part of Austria‘s cultural heritage. In the words of the renowned music scholar Clemens Hellsberg, "The history of the Vienna State Opera is inseparable from the history of Austria and from the development of opera as an art form."
From legendary singers like Enrico Caruso and Maria Callas to contemporary stars like Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann, the greatest voices of each generation have graced its stage. The Staatsoper has survived bombings, renovations, changes in fashion and the march of time to retain its status as one of classical music‘s most enduring institutions.
Whether you‘re an opera buff, a history lover, or simply want to marvel at the opulent surroundings, you owe it to yourself to spend an unforgettable evening at the Vienna State Opera. Reserve your tickets, dress to the nines, and prepare to be transported by timeless music, exquisite singing, and the inimitable magic of the Staatsoper.
