Semperoper, Dresden, Germany

The Semperoper is the opera house of the Saxon State Opera and the concert hall of the Saxon State Orchestra. It is also home to the Semperoper Ballett. The building is located near the Elbe River in the historic centre of Dresden.

The opera house was originally built by the architect Gottfried Semper in 1841. After a devastating fire in 1869, the opera house was rebuilt, partly again by Semper, and completed in 1878.

In 1945, during the last months of World War II, the building was largely destroyed again. Exactly 40 years later, on 13 February 1985, the opera's reconstruction was completed.

The opera house has a long history of premieres, including major works by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Tom Hutchinson (5 months ago)
This opera house is like concentrated essence of Dresden. There's endless gilt and ceiling paintings and they have a big tassel budget. Operas have surtitles in German and English, the seats are comfortable and sightlines are good. The only slight criticism is that they don't do halftime ice-cream. I feel a little sugar rush is what you need in the interval instead of booze.

Peter Morris (5 months ago)
Amazing building, restored to its former glory after WWII. You have to book a tour, some are in English but there is not an English tour everyday. The cost was €14 (Feb 24), you can book online.

Ba “Bisba” Bis (8 months ago)
My first time in opera and experience was amazing. The building itself is a work of art, the acoustic was extremely good the seats comfortable the ladies at the gardarobe were kind and helpful. Even though we were late they let us in on se second act and we watched from a television the first part of the play

Keri Thibeau (8 months ago)
This place is a must see of if you don't see an opera or show. It's exquisite on the inside and you get a tour and the history of it you do need to book time slots due to the tours being available in different languages.

R C (10 months ago)
Gorgeous building! Visiting here is a must if you are in Dresden. I am sure it would be amazing to see a show here. I recommend going on a guided tour at night. The only disappointing thing is the tour is advertised as "Behind the curtains" but you do not go backstage and cannot even see the stage due to a huge fire-safety door.

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