The Vienna State Opera, Austria

The Vienna State Opera, located in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most important musical centers in Europe.

The Vienna State Opera is the oldest theatrical institution with an unrivalled number of performances in the German-speaking world. Its history began to be written in the middle of the 19th century. It all began on 20 December 1857, when a handwritten letter from the then 27-year-old Emperor Franz Joseph to the Minister of the Interior confirmed the decision to expand the city and build public buildings. An international competition was launched, which was won the following January by the architects Eduard van der Newl and August Sicard von Sicardsburg.

The Vienna State Opera House was designed in the Renaissance style and completed in 1869. In 1945, during World War II, part of the building was destroyed by bombing, but the State Opera House was fully rebuilt in 1955.

Unfortunately, its opening was also marked by an unfortunate event, as Edward Van der Newl committed suicide. The architect did not survive the fact that, even before the building was fully completed, the project was criticized by the Viennese, who did not like and accept it. Edward van der Nul, the frequent architect, could not withstand the ridicule and committed suicide. Grief-stricken by the tragic loss, August Sicard von Sicardsburg, died of a heart attack 10 weeks later.

Nowadays, the Vienna State Opera is one of the tourists' favorite attractions. It hosts the famous "Vienna Opera Ball" every year, which brings together the elite of Austria and Europe under one roof. The Vienna State Opera is one of the most productive in the world - 50-60 operas are staged here every year and around 200 performances are given.