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One of the most popular attractions in Vienna and the second oldest theatre in Europe is the Burgtheater Vienna.
Impressive buildings for cultural and entertainment purposes are plenty in Vienna. One of them is the Burgtheater or the Austrian National Theater. Also known as Burg or Haus Am Ring and originally as the K.K. Theater an der Burg. The building is located in the first district just across the city hall at the famous Ring boulevard.
Opened in 1741 adjacent to the Hofburg Palace from the order of Empress Maria Theresia of Austria. It was originally called K.K. Hoftheater nachst der Burg and was the start of the German-language theatre in the city.
Over a century later, the theater was rebuilt and moved to the Ringstrasse boulevard. It suffered heavy damages during World War II. And was only restored to its former glory in 1955. Today it is one of Europe’s top venues for the most important stage performances where world-class talents converge.
Burgtheater Vienna Building
Spanning an area of 28.5 meters wide and 23 meters deep the main stage of the Burgtheater Vienna is said to be one of the biggest in the world.
It has three affiliate venues:
- the Akademietheater in Liszrstrasse
- Kasino at Schwarzenbergplatz
- the Vestibul also at the Burgtheater
The Burgtheater Vienna accommodates some 400,000 people to 800 performances every season. It is open for 10 months of the year (closing only for July and August).
The auditorium can seat about 1150 people with 12 special seats for disabled visitors. But perhaps the most outstanding feature of the Burgtheater is its impressive architecture. Also, the interior design is breathtaking as well.
Done in the classic Renaissance style, the building’s façade is adorned with ornate sculptures of Greek gods and muses. The windows are freamed with Corinthian columns.
The magnificent staircases were done by:
- Franz Matsch
- Gustav Klimt
- and his brother Ernst
Busts of famous writers such as Moliere, Shakespeare, and Goethe can be seen around the hall and the foyer.
Burgtheater Vienna & The Sellier company
Since 1888, the building has been used as a theater house by Sellier, a theater company. The Sellier company earlier used a dance parlrour handed over by Empress Maria Theresia way back in 1741.
Designed and built by Gottfried Semper and C. von Hasenauer, the Burgtheater Wien is a beauty to behold both inside and out. On its exterior alone, the marble facade is adorned with statues featuring famous writer Goethe and Schiller.
Other figures displayed are those that depict love and hatred. Inside the building, a festive ambiance greets visitors attending various cultural events.
The Wien Burgtheater program
When it comes to Burgtheater Vienna program there are:
- Premiere
- Repertoire
- Extras
Burgtheater Vienna Program Premiere in 2020
| PREMIERE IN MAY 2020 | CITY OF THE APES |
| PREMIERE IN MAY 2020 | TRISTESSES |
| PREMIERE IN JUNE 2020 | CARPATHIAN SPOTS |
| WORLD PREMIERE IN JUNE 2020 | 2020 OR THE END |
German language Burgtheater Wien
The Wien Burgtheater is one of the first theaters in the German-speaking countries in Europe. And one of the world’s most important German-language theaters. It is also the second oldest theater in Europe after Comedie Francaise with more than 80 actors and actresses making up the permanent ensemble.
It has earned an international reputation for its excellent dramatic art. But while the theater’s repertoire has an international scope, it also showcases the works of Austrian playwrights.
These include Arthur Schnitzler, Ferdinand Raimund or Johann Nestroy. Well-known contemporary writers such as Elfriede Jelinek and Peter Handke also often hold their premiers on this stage.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Burgtheater Vienna
What is currently being played in the Burgtheater?
Here’re some premieres in May and June if the situation with Covid 19 settles down.
Premiere in May 2020: CITY OF THE APES, TRISTESSES
Premiere in June: CARPATHIAN SPOTS, 2020 OR THE END
Get more info on their website MY HOME IS MY BURGTHEATER
