We had reservations for a 3:00 p.m. tour of the famous grand Vienna Opera House. The tour was pretty quick–just over 40 minutes. There are lots of tours that go through the large Opera House in lots of languages. They manage the groups pretty well.
We learned how they manage the stage and opera companies. Every night a different Opera plays, so they have to change the sets and rotate everything EVERY DAY. That’s done so the tourists can see something different every night, and also so the singers can rest and let their voices recover (no microphones used).
The hall seats more than 1,700 with 400 standing places (with inexpensive tickets). There were 5 levels of balcony seats in 7 tiers. The Opera House was bombed during the war and rebuilt in the 1950s, still beautiful, but not extravagant, except for the huge chandelier high in the ceiling that takes 2 weeks to clean once/year.
We walked through reception areas and special rooms for important people and went up into the presidential box. It was an interesting visit. Works from all of Vienna’s famous composers and musicians has been performed here. You could almost feel them!
Above is the famous chandelier that takes 2 weeks to clean every year.
Remembrances of the famous composers are showcased in the reception areas.
What a grand and spectacular home for musicians through the years!
Our Frankfurt Germany Mission 