Oper Graz

The Oper Graz was opened in 1899 according to plans by the famous theater architect duo Fellner & Helmer in the neo-baroque style – as one of around 50 theaters they built throughout Europe. With approximately 1,200 seats, it is the second largest opera house in Austria after the Wiener Staatsoper. The lavish auditorium with ceiling paintings and gold leaf contrasts with the distinctive “Lichtschwert” by Hartmut Skerbisch in front of the building, which was erected in 1992 as a symbol of modern art. After being hit by bombs during World War II, the building was rebuilt and modernized several times. The program includes opera, operetta, musical, and ballet. The opera house is located on the Opernring directly on one of the city's most important cycling axes between Jakominiplatz and Stadtpark.