The magnificent Opernhaus am Ring, famous first and foremost for its annual high society ball, hosts productions of the very highest quality by the likes of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the State Ballet Company and a host of world famous opera singers and directors. However, the opera house started its days on a less auspicious note, with architect Eduard van der Nüll committing suicide in 1868 because of intense public criticism of his design. The Opera House opened with Mozart's Don Giovanni in 1869, and has been going strong ever since.
In 1870, the Stadtsaal served as a ballroom for the town events. Now, this historic structure is a popular event venue and showcases a wide range of events including cabarets, comedy shows, musical and theater plays. In case you feel hungry after the entertaining evening, you can hop on to the lounge and restaurant housed inside Stadtsaal. So, leave your worries at bay and allow yourself to be entertained by the spectacular acts hosted here.
At the jubilee celebrations of Emperor Franz Josef on December 14,1898, the present Volksoper was officially opened as the Emperor's Jubilee Capital Theater after a strenuous ten months under construction. Primarily meant as a theatrical stage, after 1903 it became a traditional Opera house. However, it was only a year later that the title Wiener Volksoper appeared for the first time on the program. Due to excessive damage in World War II, it is now rated the third Bundestheater behind the Staatsoper and the Burgtheater.
Built in 1954-57, Austria's biggest events venue consists of a main auditorium, a smaller auditorium, two indoor sports halls and an ice-rink. Boasting a vast variety of events ranging from trade fairs and fashion shows to sports competitions and concerts, the Stadthalle attracts over a million visitors every year. The list of personalities who have appeared here over the last few decades reads like a Who's Who of the international sport and entertainment scene. Great place to go with the whole family!