If you are exploring Hamburg, Germany, a visit to the Hamburg State Opera (Staatsoper Hamburg) connects you directly to a magnificent musical legacy. Located near the square of Gänsemarkt, this renowned opera company originated in 1678 as Germany's very first public opera house, founded by the city's art-loving citizens rather than a royal court. Over the centuries, legendary musical figures have shaped its history.
George Friedrich Handel played violin and harpsichord here, debuting his opera Nero in 1705, while Georg Philipp Telemann and former musical director Gustav Mahler further elevated its fame. Destroyed during World War II air raids in 1943, the current Staatsoper auditorium reopened in 1955 with Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. Beyond classic repertoire, the company has long championed groundbreaking contemporary pieces, hosting famous world premières like Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Die tote Stadt and Wolfgang Rihm’s Die Eroberung von Mexico.
It even made history in 1967 as the first company to broadcast productions in color on television. Recognized twice as Opera House of the Year, the institution enters an exciting era starting in the 2025/26 season under Intendant Tobias Kratzer and Generalmusikdirektor Omer Meir Wellber.
What to see at Hamburg State Opera
- Established in 1678 as the first public opera house in Germany
- Associated with musical giants like Handel, Telemann, and Mahler
- Site of premier performances like Korngold's Die tote Stadt
- First company to broadcast opera productions in color on television in 1967
- Named Opera House of the Year by Opernwelt in 1997 and 2005
Visiting tips
Look for the theatre situated right near the square of Gänsemarkt when navigating central Hamburg.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Hamburg State Opera is easy to reach on Hamburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hamburger Kunsthalle and St. Nicholas Church, Hamburg. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Hamburg travel guide.
See the full Hamburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.