<p>150 years ago, the Vienna State Opera opened.</p>

Vienna/Prague - 150 years ago, on May 25, 1869, the Vienna State Opera was ceremoniously opened in Vienna, with its cornerstone laid on May 20, 1863. One of the most famous opera stages in the world, stemming from the tradition of the Court Opera from the 17th century, has earned a reputation especially due to the performances of many significant conductors, singers, and sopranos (including several Czech and Slovak ones) and the quality of its orchestra, choir, and ballet. Members of the opera orchestra are selected from the Vienna Philharmonic. Once a year, the stage and floor of the opera transform into a large dance hall - during the Vienna Ball at the Opera.

The opera building was constructed between 1863-1869 according to the design of a duo of architects, August Sicard of Sicardsburg and Eduard von der Nüll. The project was then realized by the construction office of their pupil, the significant Czech architect Josef Hlávka. However, the pace of work was slowed by various difficulties that caused mental anguish to both architects: for example, the site on which the building was constructed was solid to a depth of 120 meters. Therefore, the Viennese spoke of "the sunken box." Both architects were attacked, accused, and dragged through the press until their mental crisis culminated - Eduard von der Nüll hanged himself, and his already half-mad counterpart died an untimely death that same year (1868).

The theater was opened in May 1869 with a performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth.

The period of great flourishing for the opera was from 1897 to 1907, when the opera was led and conducted by Gustav Mahler. The list of directors also includes Richard Strauss (1919-1924), Herbert von Karajan (1956-1964), and Claudio Abbado (1986-1991).

The last performance in the original opera building took place in June 1944, and on March 12, 1945, the building was hit by American bombing. The stage, dressing rooms, and almost the entire auditorium were damaged, and additional damage was caused by a large fire. Nevertheless, it was possible to save at least part of the entrance hall, foyer, staircase, and about two-thirds of the outer façade. After reconstruction, the opera was reopened on November 5, 1955, with Fidelio by Ludwig van Beethoven.