Ljubljanska Operna Hisa (Ljubljana Opera House), Ljubljana

Ljubljanska operna hiša is home to the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet. The Neo-Renaissance building opened in 1892 and was designed by Czech architects Jan Vladimír Hráský and Anton Hruby. Its façade has Ionic columns and statues of Comedy and Tragedy by Alojzij Gangl. Before the opera house was built, Gustav Mahler conducted the theatrical society during the 1881–1882 season at the former Provincial Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1887 and later replaced by the present opera house.

The theatre originally accommodated both Slovenian and German companies. Because the Slovenian ensemble could not initially afford a permanent orchestra, some early operas and operettas were accompanied by a hired military band. During the First World War, the building became the Central Cinema. Its 530-seat auditorium now hosts opera, ballet, concerts, and Slovenian works.

A major restoration and expansion, completed in 2011, preserved the historic auditorium while adding a modern black-clad extension with rehearsal rooms, workshops, and advanced stage technology. Its hydraulic stage descends two levels underground, while the Third Stage hosts experimental works. In 2005, the company premiered the restored complete version of Offenbach’s long-lost Die Rheinnixen.