Opernhaus (Zurich Opera House), Zurich
The Zürich Opera House (Opernhaus) is a hub for culture and art in Zürich. It has been home to the Zürich Opera since its establishment in 1891 and also hosts the Bernhard-Theater Zürich and the Zürich Ballet. Its excellence in opera was recognized with the "Opera Company of the Year" award at the 2014 International Opera Awards, highlighting its impact on the global opera scene.
The roots of the Zürich Opera House date back to the Aktientheater, Zürich's first permanent theater built in 1834. Richard Wagner found refuge and artistic inspiration here during his exile from Germany. After the Aktientheater was destroyed by fire in 1890, the Stadttheater Zürich was constructed in a remarkably short span of 16 months by esteemed Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer. It was Europe's first opera house with electric lighting and symbolized a revival in architecture and culture.
Until the Bernhard Theater was built in 1925 for plays, the Zürich Opera House was the main venue for drama, opera, and music performances. Its history includes a renaming of the Zürich Opera House in 1964 and a significant renovation from 1982 to 1984, which faced local opposition and led to street riots. Despite these challenges, the opera house was beautifully restored, featuring a Neoclassical façade and a Neorococo auditorium. The busts of Weber, Wagner, Mozart, Shiller, Shakespeare, and Goethe adorn the building. The auditorium space seats over 1,200 people.
Today, the Zürich Opera House offers a variety of events, including concerts by its Philharmonia orchestra, matinees, Lieder evenings, and children's shows. Despite past challenges, it remains a cultural gem in Zürich, captivating audiences with its dynamic performances and historical charm.
Why You Should Visit:
The building itself is beautiful and part of Zurich's landscape, while the setting by the lake is just delightful.
As the theatre is rather small, you are much closer to the stage, compared to other opera houses.
Most days have no dress code, and no one really cares about the attire – another huge plus compared to other opera houses.
The roots of the Zürich Opera House date back to the Aktientheater, Zürich's first permanent theater built in 1834. Richard Wagner found refuge and artistic inspiration here during his exile from Germany. After the Aktientheater was destroyed by fire in 1890, the Stadttheater Zürich was constructed in a remarkably short span of 16 months by esteemed Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer. It was Europe's first opera house with electric lighting and symbolized a revival in architecture and culture.
Until the Bernhard Theater was built in 1925 for plays, the Zürich Opera House was the main venue for drama, opera, and music performances. Its history includes a renaming of the Zürich Opera House in 1964 and a significant renovation from 1982 to 1984, which faced local opposition and led to street riots. Despite these challenges, the opera house was beautifully restored, featuring a Neoclassical façade and a Neorococo auditorium. The busts of Weber, Wagner, Mozart, Shiller, Shakespeare, and Goethe adorn the building. The auditorium space seats over 1,200 people.
Today, the Zürich Opera House offers a variety of events, including concerts by its Philharmonia orchestra, matinees, Lieder evenings, and children's shows. Despite past challenges, it remains a cultural gem in Zürich, captivating audiences with its dynamic performances and historical charm.
Why You Should Visit:
The building itself is beautiful and part of Zurich's landscape, while the setting by the lake is just delightful.
As the theatre is rather small, you are much closer to the stage, compared to other opera houses.
Most days have no dress code, and no one really cares about the attire – another huge plus compared to other opera houses.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Zurich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Opernhaus (Zurich Opera House) on Map
Sight Name: Opernhaus (Zurich Opera House)
Sight Location: Zurich, Switzerland (See walking tours in Zurich)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Zurich, Switzerland (See walking tours in Zurich)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Zurich, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Zurich
Creating your own self-guided walk in Zurich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Zurich Souvenir Shopping
Zurich has no shortage of tourists, and when it comes to souvenirs, there are plenty of options available.
A popular saying goes, "When in Zurich, shop on Bahnhofstrasse." True, in terms of souvenir shopping, this thoroughfare is second to none. Another saying is that “When in Switzerland, buy Swiss-made products.”
Alongside many other things, Bahnhofstrasse is home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
A popular saying goes, "When in Zurich, shop on Bahnhofstrasse." True, in terms of souvenir shopping, this thoroughfare is second to none. Another saying is that “When in Switzerland, buy Swiss-made products.”
Alongside many other things, Bahnhofstrasse is home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Zurich's Historical Churches Tour
The history of Christianity in Zurich is duly reflected in the local churches, found here in abundance. Indeed, Christianity has been the dominant religion of Zurich for many centuries. And while, historically, the city was a center of the Protestant Reformation, today it is home to both Catholic and Protestant communities.
The Swiss Reformed Church is the largest Protestant denomination, but... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Swiss Reformed Church is the largest Protestant denomination, but... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Old Town Walk
The Old Town, or Altstadt (in German), is the historic heart of Zurich which beats on both sides of the Limmat River that runs through it. "Zurich is a city, but Altstadt is a village" – this saying reflects the charming, small-town feel of Old Town Zurich, which stands in contrast to the more modern and cosmopolitan areas of the city.
Bordered by the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Bordered by the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Zurich Gourmet Tour
Apart from its high-quality watches, Switzerland is famous for its unique delicacies. The secrets of their making have been preserved for centuries and passed on from father to son. In this respect, it is not at all surprising that a global banking and financial center such as Zurich can be also a haven for food enthusiasts seeking gourmet delights. On this self-guided walk, we invite you to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Zurich Introduction Walking Tour
Walking around Zurich is a walk through history. The city was first officially settled by the Romans in 15 BC, who called it Turicum. But there were earlier inhabitants–evidence has been found of settlement that dates back more than six millennia. One of the oldest parts of town is Lindenhof Square, an elevated hill that was one of the earliest sites.
Today Zurich is the largest city in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Today Zurich is the largest city in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Distinctively Swiss Things to Buy in Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, and although it may feel like a bustling metropolis, the tranquil essence of the Alps flows fervently through the lively cobblestone streets, the buzzing train station, and the frenzied designer boutiques. Most shops in downtown Zurich open at 9 am and close...