Nearly two centuries of tumultuous history awaits at Dresden’s stunning opera house. The Semper Opera House is a palatial building perched on the banks of the Elbe River and is home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper ballet. Admire its diverse architecture, which comprises elements of a number of periods. Book tickets to take in a musical event inside.
Gottfried Semper, who the building was then named after, first built the opera house in 1841. It included elements of Early Renaissance, Baroque and classical revival architectural styles making it a unique and fascinating building in Dresden’s cityscape. Learn about the damage incurred by the opera house during a fire in 1869, war in the 1945 bombing of Dresden and flood waters in 2002 when the Elbe River burst its banks.
Purchase a ticket from the box office or online to fully experience the Semper Opera House. Pick up a program from around the city or check online to learn about the diverse range of events hosted within the theater. Arrive early to dine at the foyer bars or reserve a table at the opera restaurant. Renowned local chef, Stefan Hermann, operates the restaurant.
Be amazed by the grace and poise of the Semperoper ballet. Check the opera schedules to see works by famous names including Wagner and Strauss. Listen to some of Europe’s best musicians within an environment that evokes the opulence of the 19th century. Admire the acoustics of the grand theater, which has a capacity for more than 1,300 people.
The Semper Opera House is located in central Dresden, just a short walk from Neumarkt. Arrive by train or tram, or find underground parking behind the theater on Devrientstrasse. Reserve tickets online, by phone or by visiting earlier during your stay to make reservations in person. The box office opens 1 hour before performances daily.