One of Europe’s oldest and loveliest theaters demonstrates the construction and artistic excellence of 18th-century Bayreuth at its very finest.
The Margravial Opera House was opened in 1750 to great fanfare for the wedding of the margrave’s daughter to the Duke of Württemberg. It was hailed as a great achievement. More than 250 years later, the ingenious design and magnificent decoration of the theater have maintained its status. Commissioned by the margrave’s wife Princess Wilhelmine, Frederick the Great’s sister, the opera house was an expression of the intense cultural energy that she brought to the area. Visit the Margravial Opera House to see one of the best well-preserved baroque theaters, now on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
View the Italian baroque exterior, designed by Giuseppe Galli Bibiena and modeled on the great contemporary opera houses in Vienna and Dresden. Notice the difference between this opera house and the more well-known 19th-century models, with their distinctly neoclassical inspirations. The wooden interior, constructed as a separate part from the stone shell, gives warmth to the sounds created.
Continue on to the concert hall, an explosion of color and art. Trompe l’oeil decorations on the canvas awnings make the room seem even bigger than it might otherwise feel.
Look up at the gilded boxes installed for affluent patrons. The most magnificent was often empty, as Princess Wilhelmine and her husband preferred front-row seats, close to the stage.
The Margravial Opera House is on the northern side of Bayreuth’s Old Town, not far from most of the city’s attractions. Walk from the train station in about 8 minutes. The New Palace is a 3-minute walk away. Train connections are available from throughout the region. Drive or take the train from Nuremberg center in just over an hour. Parking in the immediate vicinity of the Opera House is limited, though metered parking lots are available in Bayreuth’s Old Town.
Tours take place daily about every 45 minutes during regular business hours. Admission is slightly restricted during winter. Tickets are required to visit the building or to attend most of the concerts inside.
