Zürich Opera House 🇨🇭

Welcome to the Zurich Opera House (Opernhaus Zürich), a premier cultural institution proudly anchored on Zurich's vibrant Sechseläutenplatz since 1891. Serving as the home for the Zurich Opera, Ballett Zürich, and the Bernhard-Theater Zürich, this prestigious venue was honored as the "Opera Company of the Year" at the 2014 International Opera Awards. When you visit, you will encounter a grand venue constructed in just 16 months by Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, holding a unique place in history as the very first opera house in Europe featuring electrical lighting.

Outside, you can admire its ornate, neo-classical façade crafted from white and grey stone, beautifully adorned with busts of famous figures including Weber, Wagner, Mozart, Schiller, Shakespeare, and Goethe. Step inside to marvel at the magnificent neo-rococo auditorium, designed to seat approximately 1,100 people. Beyond hosting spectacular opera and ballet, the venue features concerts by its Philharmonia orchestra, matinees, Lieder evenings, children's events, and the International Opera Studio, a famed educational program for young talent created in 1961.

Whether enjoying its striking architecture or diverse performances, you will experience an iconic cornerstone of Swiss arts history.

What to see at Zürich Opera House

• Marvel at the neo-classical stone façade featuring busts of Wagner, Mozart, and Shakespeare
• See Europe's first opera house equipped with electrical lighting
• Admire the stunning neo-rococo auditorium seating approximately 1,100 guests
• Enjoy performances by world-class opera, Ballett Zürich, and the Philharmonia orchestra

Visiting tips

Take time to admire the busts of iconic composers and writers decorating the ornate neo-classical stone façade before entering.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening

How to get there & what’s nearby

Zürich Opera House is easy to reach on Zurich’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Zurich travel guide.