The Alte Oper is a cherished concert hall that was destroyed in World War II and faithfully rebuilt. The theatre’s lavish interior is decorated with balconies, columns and sculptures. It’s almost impossible to tell this isn’t the same building that first opened in 1880. Take a tour or book a ticket to a performance to see the attractive venue in action.
Before the war, Frankfurt’s rich and famous frequented the venue. Some of the best productions in the world have graced the stage, including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The renowned opera debuted here in 1937.
The building was virtually flattened in World War II. Only the outside walls were left standing and the Alte Oper was nicknamed “Germany’s most beautiful ruin”. The theatre wasn’t reopened until 1981 and today only serves as a concert hall for classical msuic performances. To see opera, you will need to book a ticket at the Oper Frankfurt, a modern building not far from the old opera house.
The Berlin Philharmonic and London’s Academy of St. Martin in the Fields are among the prestigious ensembles that grace the stage at the Alte Oper today. Attend classical music performances or a popular musical in the Great Hall, which seats up to 2,500. A smaller 700-seat hall hosts solo musicians and chamber groups. Buy tickets for either hall at the box office or from the Alte Oper’s official website.
If you’re travelling with a large group you can organise to take a guided tour of the building during the day. Guided tours are taken for groups larger than 12 for a fee.
Sit or stroll through the square in front of the performance hall. Opernplatz regularly hosts festivals during the summer while year-round it is filled with locals and visitors enjoying the beauty of the Alte Oper.
Alte Oper is located north of the river next to its own U-Bahn station. There are also six car-parking garages nearby.
