Semperoper

Overview

The Semperoper is one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, home to the Sächsische Staatsoper (Saxon State Opera) and the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, an orchestra founded in 1548. The current building is actually the third iteration, rebuilt in 1985 after wartime destruction.

Highlights

• Auditorium: A four-tier horseshoe auditorium seating 1,323, renowned for exceptional acoustics.
• Facade Sculptures: Statues of Goethe and Schiller flank the entrance; a bronze panther quadriga crowns the roof.
• Premiere History: World premieres of nine Richard Strauss operas, including Der Rosenkavalier and Salome.

History

Architect Gottfried Semper designed the original opera house in 1841 (destroyed by fire in 1869) and a second version completed in 1878. Allied bombing obliterated it in 1945; reconstruction took 40 years. The reopened house premiered on 13 February 1985 with Der Freischütz.

Visitor Tips

• Guided tours run daily when no rehearsal is scheduled (approximately 45 min, €13).
• Book performance tickets well in advance — the season runs September to July.
• Duration: 45 min (tour) or 2–3 hours (performance).