Semperoper Dresden
Visit Dresden's iconic Semperoper and admire its wonderful splendor. Explore the theatre where famous musicians like Richard Wagner & Gustav Mahler have performed. Allow the beauty of classical music and performing arts from the 19th century to impress you, Semperoper is a venue that still hosts various programs such as opera, orchestra, and ballet.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Embark on a guided tour of one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, the Semperoper, and uncover its rich history.
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Dive into the architectural elegance of the Semperoper with an expert guide, discovering ornate rooms, and unique acoustics.
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See the 4 panthers on the roof, which honors the household god Dionysius, and see the glamorous auditorium boasting 1,300+ seats.
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Choose from English/German guided tours to enhance your experience as you hear stories and interesting facts about the opera being narrated in your preferred language.
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Fun Fact: Semperoper's unique acoustics, perfected by modern technology, allow every note from the musicians to reach every corner of the auditorium.
More details
-
Embark on a guided tour of one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, the Semperoper, and uncover its rich history.
-
Dive into the architectural elegance of the Semperoper with an expert guide, discovering ornate rooms, and unique acoustics.
-
See the 4 panthers on the roof, which honors the household god Dionysius, and see the glamorous auditorium boasting 1,300+ seats.
-
Choose from English/German guided tours to enhance your experience as you hear stories and interesting facts about the opera being narrated in your preferred language.
-
Fun Fact: Semperoper's unique acoustics, perfected by modern technology, allow every note from the musicians to reach every corner of the auditorium.
-
Embark on a guided tour of the beautiful Semperoper and Dresden's lively Old Town, discovering Germany's rich history and amazing architecture.
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Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Semperoper with its detailed interiors and river views, led by an expert German-speaking guide.
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Experience Dresden's vibrant Old Town, visiting iconic sights like the palatial complex of Zwinger and the baroque-style Dresden Royal Palace.
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Enjoy a holistic experience with the guided tour's inclusion of the Neumarkt neighborhood, renowned for its delightful local cuisine and bustling atmosphere.
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Fun Fact: Semperoper's roof is adorned by 4 panthers, a quirky detail often missed by visitors, adding a unique charm to your experience.
More details
-
Embark on a guided tour of the beautiful Semperoper and Dresden's lively Old Town, discovering Germany's rich history and amazing architecture.
-
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Semperoper with its detailed interiors and river views, led by an expert German-speaking guide.
-
Experience Dresden's vibrant Old Town, visiting iconic sights like the palatial complex of Zwinger and the baroque-style Dresden Royal Palace.
-
Enjoy a holistic experience with the guided tour's inclusion of the Neumarkt neighborhood, renowned for its delightful local cuisine and bustling atmosphere.
-
Fun Fact: Semperoper's roof is adorned by 4 panthers, a quirky detail often missed by visitors, adding a unique charm to your experience.
-
Dresden's Elbe River cruise is a great way for you and your family to relax and admire its historic riverside landmarks.
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See the 131-year-old Loschwitz Bridge aka "Blue Wonder" and three palaces, and learn about them through the audio commentary.
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Discover the glamourous opera auditorium in Semperoper with ornate rooms and unique acoustics with an expert English/German-speaking guide.
-
Observe the magnificent opera house and learn about its tragic past before the bombing at Dresden occurred.
-
Fun fact: The Semperoper is designed so that every musical note played in the auditorium will reach every corner of it.
More details
-
Dresden's Elbe River cruise is a great way for you and your family to relax and admire its historic riverside landmarks.
-
See the 131-year-old Loschwitz Bridge aka "Blue Wonder" and three palaces, and learn about them through the audio commentary.
-
Discover the glamourous opera auditorium in Semperoper with ornate rooms and unique acoustics with an expert English/German-speaking guide.
-
Observe the magnificent opera house and learn about its tragic past before the bombing at Dresden occurred.
-
Fun fact: The Semperoper is designed so that every musical note played in the auditorium will reach every corner of it.
5% off
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Explore the Semperoper Opera House, known for its stellar acoustics and ornate rooms, on a 45-minute guided tour in English or German.
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See the Semperoper's rooftop panthers, the statue of Dionysus, and its 1,300+ seat auditorium, all rebuilt after the Second World War.
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Explore Dresden's Old Town after hours on a 1.5-hour guided by a German-speaking costumed Night Watchman and enjoy a complimentary drink.
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Learn why watchmen sang at night, the fate of "Frederick the Bitten," and the location of the infamous "Green Vault" diamond heist.
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Fun fact: The Zwinger Palace's fountain, featuring Neptune and Amphitrite, is said to grant eternal love to couples who kiss before it.
More details
-
Explore the Semperoper Opera House, known for its stellar acoustics and ornate rooms, on a 45-minute guided tour in English or German.
-
See the Semperoper's rooftop panthers, the statue of Dionysus, and its 1,300+ seat auditorium, all rebuilt after the Second World War.
-
Explore Dresden's Old Town after hours on a 1.5-hour guided by a German-speaking costumed Night Watchman and enjoy a complimentary drink.
-
Learn why watchmen sang at night, the fate of "Frederick the Bitten," and the location of the infamous "Green Vault" diamond heist.
-
Fun fact: The Zwinger Palace's fountain, featuring Neptune and Amphitrite, is said to grant eternal love to couples who kiss before it.
5% off
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Explore a lush Amazonian rainforest within a 19th-century gas tank and visit the Semperoper—no need for two tickets, one covers it all.
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With only a 15-minute drive between them, visiting Panometer Dresden and the Semperoper in one day is a breeze.
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You can see them together like many do, or space them out and enjoy them by picking different days.
More details
-
Explore a lush Amazonian rainforest within a 19th-century gas tank and visit the Semperoper—no need for two tickets, one covers it all.
-
With only a 15-minute drive between them, visiting Panometer Dresden and the Semperoper in one day is a breeze.
-
You can see them together like many do, or space them out and enjoy them by picking different days.
5% off
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About Semperoper Dresden
Semperoper Dresden is one of the most renowned opera houses, boasting elegant design, exceptional acoustics, and a rich history. A tour of the Semperoper allows you to explore its grand halls and get a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic institution.
In 1869, a massive fire caused extensive damage to the Semperoper building. However, it was restored to its former glory by 1878. Sadly, the horrors of war struck in 1945 during World War II when bombings reduced the building to rubble. Yet again, it was reconstructed and reopened its doors in 1985.
The architecture of Semperoper Dresden is a captivating fusion of Early Renaissance and Baroque styles. Some experts prefer the term 'eclecticism' to describe its architectural essence, particularly following its restoration in 1878.
Semperoper is home to two world-renowned ensembles: Staatskapelle Dresden and Semperoper Ballett. Staatskapelle Dresden is one of the world's oldest orchestras, while Semperoper Ballett is a world-class ballet company.
At the entrance of Semperoper sits a striking sculpture of Dionysos, the Greek God of theatre. Adorning the portal are depictions of history's greatest creative minds, including Sophocles, Euripides, Shakespeare, Goethe, Schiller, and Moliere, inviting visitors into a world of artistic wonder.
Why visit Semperoper Dresden?
Highlights
Semperoper Panther Quadriga
See the Semperoper Panther Quadriga at the Semperoper entrance, a sculpture depicting four regal panthers leading a chariot guided by Dionysus, the Greek god of theatre, and his intended Ariadne.
More sculptures and statues
As you step through the entrance, you will be greeted by a pair of stunning statues. On the left stands Johann Wolfgang van Goethe, while on the right, you'll find Freidrich Schiller. Move along, and you'll come across more busts and statues paying homage to greats like Euripides, Sophocles, Shakespeare, and Molière. It's like taking a walk through the halls of literary history!
The foyer
The Semperoper foyer is where your tour begins. It has marble columns, intricate statues, and sparkling chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of pure opulence. Take a moment to admire the breathtaking staircase, a marvel of Neo-Renaissance design that adds to the grandeur of this historic venue.
The auditorium
Step inside the main auditorium with a seating capacity of 1300 guests, where every attendee is treated to flawless acoustics and uninterrupted views of the opera and ballet performances. The interiors boast majestic curtains, towering pillars, soft lighting, and a dazzling chandelier overhead.
Live performances at Semperoper.
See a magical live performance in the main auditorium. Ballet and opera productions at Semperoper range from timeless classics like 'Romeo and Juliet' to modern pieces like 'Electra'. Please book your tickets in advance as these performances are not included in the guided tour package.
Family-friendly performances
There's no shortage of family-friendly entertainment at Semperoper Dresden. Treat your little ones to delightful adaptations such as "The Clever Gretchen" and "Konrad Rides to the South Seas", breathing new life into beloved stories. These adaptations delight young minds while bringing joy to adults.
Take a peek behind the scenes.
See what happens behind the curtains of Semperoper and delve into its hidden wonders! Explore the tucked-away corners and uncover the secrets of its architecture. From the mesmerizing stage curtain machinery to the ingenious acoustical designs that elevate the sound experience, there's a treasure trove of discoveries backstage.
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