Vienna State Opera House - Candid tips by Howard Hillman

Vienna State
Opera House

Travel tips you can trust

Why the
Vienna State Opera House
is special

Vienna is one of the world's most cultured cities and, fittingly, this stately performance hall attracts sophisticated audiences and is home to the Vienna State Opera company, one of the finest on our planet.

Vienna State Opera House
tips and insights

History in brief

It opened in 1864 and suffered severe bomb damage near the end of the Second World War in 1945. The building's front sections (including the facade and majestic interior staircase) survived enough to be renovated. However, the auditorium and stage had to be rebuilt from scratch.

Acoustics

The auditorium and stage acoustics significantly improved with the post-war rebuilding. But this betterment was at the expense of having a less resplendent interior. The building facade and the front interior spaces did remain true to their earlier designs.

Standing-room ticket caveat

If you buy the less expensive standing-room ticket and are not among the first in line, you could end up with a well-obstructed view of the performance.

Other events

The Vienna State Ballet company resides here and the prestigious annual Vienna Opera Ball takes place on the sizeable stage.

Tours

Visitors explore the backstage as well as view the plush auditorium from a performer's perspective.

Location in Austria