The Semperoper is Dresden's opera house on Theaterplatz 2 in the Altstadt, in Saxony, Germany, and the home of the Sächsische Staatsoper and the Staatskapelle Dresden. The building is named after Gottfried Semper, who designed the first theatre in 1841 and the second one, completed in 1878 after a fire, in a High Renaissance style with a curved facade, arched windows and a bronze quadriga above the entrance. Bombed in 1945, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1985, and the interior has been restored to Semper's design with richly painted ceilings, gilded boxes, marble columns and a vast red-and-gold auditorium. Visitors can see it in two ways: by taking a guided tour of about an hour, which runs in English and German and covers the foyers, the auditorium and sometimes the backstage areas, or by attending a performance. Opera, ballet and concerts take place for much of the year, with a summer break, and standing and restricted-view tickets are the cheapest. A dress code is not strictly enforced, but many visitors dress smartly for evening performances. The best photographs of the facade are taken from the middle of Theaterplatz, near the statue of King Johann, and at dusk when the building is lit. Tours are cancelled around rehearsals, so booking ahead is sensible, particularly in summer. The square is busiest around tour group arrivals and before evening performances, while the early morning is quiet. The box office is at the Schinkelwache beside the opera house. The Zwinger, Hofkirche and Residenzschloss are all a few minutes away on foot, so the opera house easily fits into a day of sightseeing, and an evening performance makes a natural finish.
| Admission | Guided building tour about EUR 15 (~$17); performance tickets from about EUR 15-20 (~$17-23) for standing/restricted view up to EUR 150+ (~$172+) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tours run on most days at set times (usually in English and German) and are cancelled around rehearsals; box office at Schinkelwache, Theaterplatz |
| Typical visit | Tour about 1 hour; performances 2.5-4 hours |
| Best time | Evening performance; tours late morning |
| Getting there | Tram to Theaterplatz or Postplatz, 3-minute walk |
| Address | Theaterplatz 2, 01067 Dresden, Germany |
Location
Theaterplatz 2, 01067 Dresden, Germany
51.0541, 13.7347 View on map
Highlights
- Tour the gilded auditorium and foyers with a guide
- See an opera, ballet or Staatskapelle concert in the historic hall
- Photograph the curved facade and the bronze quadriga on Theaterplatz
- Look for the statue of King Johann in the square in front of the building
Tips for visiting
- Book tours and performance tickets in advance, especially in summer
- Standing and restricted-view seats are the cheapest way to attend a performance
- Tours are cancelled around rehearsals, so check the schedule before visiting
- The box office is at the Schinkelwache on Theaterplatz
- Smart dress is common for evening performances, although not mandatory
When to visit
An evening performance is the main experience, while tours are best in the late morning. The facade looks best at dusk when lit.
Accessibility
The opera house has wheelchair spaces and lifts, and visitors with limited mobility should contact the box office in advance to arrange seating and tour access.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is a Semperoper tour?
A guided tour takes about one hour. Performances usually last between two and a half and four hours, depending on the work.
Are English-language tours available?
Yes, tours are usually offered in both English and German at set times. Visitors should check the current schedule online since rehearsals can cause cancellations.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed on tours of the building, but not during performances. Visitors should follow the guide's instructions.