Zürich Opera House

Zürich Opera House (Opernhaus Zürich) is one of Switzerland's leading stages for opera and ballet, standing on the lakefront beside Sechseläutenplatz in the heart of the city. It has been home to the Zurich Opera since 1891, and the same building also hosts Ballett Zürich and the Bernhard-Theater Zürich.

How did the opera house come to be?

The city's earlier playhouse, the Aktientheater, burned down in 1890. Its replacement was designed by the Viennese firm of Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, specialists whose theatres can be found across Europe. Construction took only 16 months, and the project was funded almost entirely from private money. The house opened in 1891 with Wagner's "Lohengrin", and it was among the first opera houses in Europe lit by electricity.

What is the building like?

The auditorium is decorated in a neo-rococo style and seats roughly 1,100 people. Gilded ornament and a classic arrangement of tiers and boxes give it the feel of a court theatre, even though Zurich never had a court. Between 1982 and 1984 the building underwent a major renovation and extension, bringing the stage and backstage areas up to the demands of modern productions.

Why visit?

The programme mixes core opera repertoire with new stagings, and ballet is part of the offer as well. For many travellers an evening here is one of the most elegant things to do in Zurich. The exterior is also worth a look on its own: the house stands near the shore of Lake Zurich and not far from the old town, so it fits easily into a walk around the centre.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the opera house? On Sechseläutenplatz in central Zurich, close to the lake and the old town.

When was it built? It opened in 1891, after the previous theatre burned down in 1890.

Who designed it? The Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer.

How many people does the auditorium hold? About 1,100.

Which companies perform here? The Zurich Opera and Ballett Zürich, while the Bernhard-Theater Zürich also operates in the building.

Can I just look at the building? The facade and surroundings are free to enjoy. To see the interior, the best way is to attend a performance. Check the opera's website for the current programme and prices.

Practical tips

Book tickets ahead, especially for premieres and performances with well-known guest artists. The opera is an easy walk from the city centre, and the neighbourhood has plenty of cafés and restaurants for a meal before or after the show. Smart attire is usual for evening performances, although formal dress is not required. If you enjoy theatre architecture, look closely at the proportions of the facade and the decoration of the foyer, which show how prestigious theatres were conceived at the end of the nineteenth century.