Description of the attraction
The Vienna State Opera, which until 1918 was called the Vienna Court Opera, is the most famous opera house in Austria.
Construction history
Work on the construction of the opera building began in 1861 and lasted 8 years - until 1869. The building was designed by architects August Sikard von Sikardsburg and Eduard van der Nyll in the neo-Renaissance style. The inhabitants of the city, however, subjected the building to strong criticism and ridicule, which caused Eduard van der Nyll to commit suicide. For the opening on May 25, 1869, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera Don Giovanni was chosen, which was attended by Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth.
At the end of World War II, on March 12, 1945, the opera was badly damaged by the bombing of the Austrian capital. The auditorium, stage, almost all the decor and 150 thousand costumes were destroyed by fire. Only the foyer with frescoes, the main staircase, the tea room and the lobby were not damaged. Lengthy discussions took place about whether the opera should be restored to its original form in its original place, or whether it should be completely demolished and rebuilt, either in the same place or in another. In the end, it was decided to restore the opera to its original location. The restored opera opened its doors on November 5, 1955, and the season opened with Beethoven's opera Fidelio. Now the repertoire of the Vienna Opera has more than 200 performances.
The famous Opera Ball
One of the brightest annual events is the Opera Ball, which is held at the Vienna Opera in mid-February. Like other balls, the Opera Ball opens with the dance of debutants - 180 pairs of young people who dance the waltz well. Obligatory dress code of the ball: ladies in ball gowns, men in tailcoats with a white bow tie (only waiters wear black butterflies).
Viennese balls are rightfully considered the hallmark of Austria, every year they attract a large number of tourists, cultural figures and the press from all over the world.
