Graz Opera House

Graz Opera House

Situated at the end of Burggasse, the Graz Opera House (Grazer Oper) is one of the city’s iconic structures, the second-largest opera house in Austria, and also a globally recognized opera house. Graz has consistently been a pioneer of modern culture, with major events like the Steirischer Herbst festival celebrated worldwide.

The neo-Baroque opera house was designed for Graz by the Viennese architectural firm Büros Fellner & Helmer. It opened on September 16, 1899, with a performance of Schiller’s Wilhelm Tell. On November 1, 1944, during World War II, its main entrance façade and roof were damaged by bombs. Because the damage was relatively minor, the opera house remained in use after the war, though the façade and portico were simplified. The interior, however, escaped simplification, preserving its magnificent grand staircase and the splendid auditorium that seats 1,800 people. A glass bridge was added in the 1980s. In striking contrast to the elegant Baroque architecture, a modern steel sculpture called the “Light Sword,” created in 1992 in front of the opera house, represents the seamless blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting Graz’s open and tolerant urban character.

Grazer Oper

Must-visit reason: One of Austria’s largest opera houses

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Austria[Austria]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Styria [Styria]

City where the attraction is located: Graz [Graz]