Opernhaus Graz (Graz Opera House), Graz

Opernhaus Graz (Graz Opera House), Graz

Opera performances have been a tradition in Graz since the 17th century, initially taking place in a repurposed coach house located on the Habsburg royal estates. The National Theatre, built in 1776, hosted numerous early presentations of Mozart's operas. However, nowadays, following several renovations, it mainly focuses on staging plays.

The first purpose-built opera venue in Graz, which laid the groundwork for the current Graz Opera, was the Thalia Theatre. This establishment was converted from an old circus hall in 1864. Recognizing the city's growing cultural significance, plans for a new theater, envisioned as a hub for German art, were put forth in 1887.

Designed in the Neo-Baroque architectural style by Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer, the Graz Opera officially opened its doors in 1899 with performances of Schiller's William Tell and Wagner's Lohengrin. Despite suffering damage during World War II bombings, the theater was restored and resumed operations post-war.

A major renovation took place between 1983 and 1985, costing $15 million. This modernization effort focused on updating equipment and facilities while preserving the original appearance of the building.

For those interested, guided tours are offered on the first Saturday of each month between September and June, as well as by appointment.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Graz. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Opernhaus Graz (Graz Opera House) on Map

Sight Name: Opernhaus Graz (Graz Opera House)
Sight Location: Graz, Austria (See walking tours in Graz)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Graz, Austria

Create Your Own Walk in Graz

Create Your Own Walk in Graz

Creating your own self-guided walk in Graz is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Graz's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Graz's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

One of the most impressive things about Graz is its architecture. Indeed, the atmospheric Medieval center of the city, the largest in Europe, abounds in architectural marvels – opulent historic buildings evoking the grandeur and glory of Austria’s Imperial past.

Influenced by the centuries-long presence of the Habsburgs and the cultural and artistic role played by the country's...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Graz Introduction Walking Tour

Graz Introduction Walking Tour

There were settlements in the Graz area as early as the end of the Copper Age. However, Graz, as Graz, did not truly emerge until the 12th century. The Babenberg dukes swapped hegemony over the area until Otakar III built the Hauptplatz, the main square of the city in 1160.

Otakar was one of the Babenberg dukes. Under Babenberg rule Graz developed into an important commercial center. By 1280...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles