Architecture · History · Music
Berlin State Opera
Frederick's magnificent opera house of 1743 on the grand avenue Unter den Linden, still one of Europe's most important opera stages.
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden is one of the oldest and most prestigious opera houses in Germany. Its neoclassical building went up between 1741 and 1743 on the orders of King Frederick the Great, to plans by his architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. As one of the first freestanding theater buildings in Europe, it opened the Forum Fridericianum, the grand ensemble around what is now Bebelplatz, which also includes the Old Library and St. Hedwig's Cathedral.
The building's history is a cycle of destruction and rebuilding. After a fire in 1843 it was rebuilt, then burned out again in World War II. From 1951 to 1955 it was restored to plans by Richard Paulick as part of the historic forum. A sweeping general renovation ran until 2017, improving the acoustics of the auditorium and modernizing the stage machinery. Today the house is home to the Staatskapelle Berlin, one of the most tradition-steeped orchestras in the world.
Visitors get world-class opera and an architectural gem in the heart of the city. Even without a performance, the elegant facade on Unter den Linden and a walk across the adjoining Bebelplatz are worth the detour. One tip: book early for performances, since desirable dates sell out fast. If your schedule is flexible, watch for returned tickets or special events.
Frequently asked
What to know about Berlin State Opera
When was the Berlin State Opera built?
The opera house was built from 1741 to 1743 on the orders of King Frederick the Great, to plans by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, making it one of the oldest opera houses in Germany.
Which orchestra plays at the State Opera?
The house is home to the Staatskapelle Berlin, one of the oldest and most tradition-rich orchestras in the world.
Can you see the opera house without attending a performance?
The neoclassical facade on Unter den Linden and the adjoining Bebelplatz can be viewed freely at any time. To see the interior, attend a performance or one of the guided tours on offer.
Nearby & related
Pairs well with this
More attractions that combine nicely with a visit to Berlin State Opera.
Museum Island
Five world-famous museums on an island in the Spree, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Gendarmenmarkt
One of the most beautiful squares in Berlin, with the Konzerthaus and the German and French cathedrals.
Berlin Cathedral
A monumental Protestant church on the Lustgarten with a walk-up dome and views over Museum Island.
More in Mitte
More attractions in Mitte
Other highlights in the same district that pair well with a visit to Berlin State Opera.
Brandenburg Gate
Berlin's most famous landmark on Pariser Platz, transformed from a symbol of division into a symbol of unity.
Reichstag Building
Seat of the German Bundestag, with a walk-up glass dome by Norman Foster and views over the government quarter.
Berlin TV Tower
At 368 meters the tallest structure in Germany, with an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.
Checkpoint Charlie
The former border crossing between East and West, today a symbol of the Cold War.
Stay in the neighborhood
Find hotels in Mitte
Planning a visit to Berlin State Opera? Here you'll find places to stay in the Mitte district.
Tours & tickets around Berlin State Opera
Guided walks, skip-the-line tickets and experiences around Berlin State Opera. A curated selection from GetYourGuide, bookable directly.
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