Festspielhaus Baden-Baden (Festival Hall), Baden Baden

The Festspielhaus Baden-Baden stands as Germany's largest opera and concert house, boasting an impressive seating capacity of 2,500.

Originally constructed in 1904 as the central railway station for Baden-Baden, it replaced the original station dating back to 1845. This earlier structure served as part of a branch line connecting Baden-Baden station to the city center. Over several decades, the building functioned as a railway station until the closure of the branch line in 1977.

Architected by Wilhelm Holzbauer from Vienna, the new construction was seamlessly integrated with the former railway station. Presently, it houses essential facilities, including the box office, the Aida restaurant, and Toccarion, a dedicated space for children's music sponsored by the Sigmund Kiener Foundation. The concert hall officially opened its doors on April 18, 1998.

In a noteworthy transformation, the Festspielhaus transitioned from initial public startup funding to becoming the first privately financed European opera and concert company, marking a significant milestone in its history.

From 2003 to 2015, the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden Cultural Foundation proudly presented the annual Herbert von Karajan Music Prize, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the region.