Emperor Franz Josef and his wife, Empress Elisabeth, attended the premier performance at the Vienna Court Opera (Wiener Hofoper) in 1869. This is the oldest opera house in Germanic countries. After the property was devasted by Allied bombing in 1945, a decade was required to restore the opera house. Today, Wiener Staatsoper is home to the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna State Ballet. Collectively, they stage over 350 performances a year. The Renaissance Revival façade features bas-relief medallions including cupids. The five bronze statues by Ernst Julius Hähnel represent love, comedy, fantasy, tragedy, and heroism. Behind them on the loggia ceiling are frescos by Moritz von Schwind. They portray scenes from the Magic Flute. This Mozart opera has been performed here over 1,000 times. On the rooftop are two winged horses. The 1,700 seat interior is more opulent. If this all sounds expensive to attend, you are right. Most performances are also sold out. But try purchasing standing tickets before each show for only a few eros.
