Located in Frankfurt, the Alte Oper stands as a testament to Germany’s rich cultural heritage. This magnificent concert hall, originally opened in 1880, has weathered wars, destruction, and rebirth to become one of Europe’s premier music venues. Despite its name meaning “Old Opera,” the Alte Oper no longer hosts operas but instead serves as a versatile space for symphonies, recitals, and contemporary performances. Its stunning Renaissance Revival architecture, adorned with intricate sculptures and grand staircases, transports visitors to a bygone era. Join us as we explore the fascinating history and enduring legacy of this iconic landmark that continues to enchant music lovers from around the world.
About Alte Oper
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Alte Oper (Old Opera) is a renowned concert hall located in Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany. Originally built in 1880 as the city’s opera house, it was destroyed during World War II in 1944. The building was reconstructed in the 1970s and reopened as a concert hall in 1981. It features a large hall and smaller venues, and the square in front of it is still called Opernplatz (Opera Square).
The Alte Oper has a rich history, with many significant works premiering there, such as Schreker’s Der Ferne Klang and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana in 1937. Today, the Oper Frankfurt performs in the Opern- und Schauspielhaus Frankfurt, which was completed in 1951.
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History Of Alte Oper
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The Alte Oper is a concert hall with a rich history. It was constructed as an opera house and was inaugurated on 20th October 1880. It was constructed by Berlin architect Richard Lucae and supported by the citizens of Frankfurt; it soon became a cultural landmark, which staged important performances, including the world premiere of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ in 1937. Unfortunately, the Alte Oper was destroyed by bombs during the Second World War in 1944 and remained in a state of ruins for years.
Also known as the “most beautiful ruin of Germany”, it was one of the symbols of the war’s destruction. The citizens of Frankfurt did not surrender; they took up a challenge and organised a fundraising campaign to renovate the building. The reconstruction process started in the 1970s, and the Alte Oper was reopened as a concert hall on 28th August 1981. Nowadays, the Alte Oper is one of the most important buildings of Frankfurt am Main, which remains an important centre of culture and music and still hosts numerous concerts and other events for people all over the world.
Things To Do At Alte Oper
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Frankfurt has one of the most beautiful concert halls, the Alte Oper, where one can have a great time. Regardless of whether you are a fan of music or interested in the arts in general, you will be able to find something that will interest you at this venue, which has a rich history. Here are nine activities you can enjoy at the Alte Oper:
Classical Music Concert: Watch and listen to live performances of symphonic and chamber music by the best orchestras, quartets, and singers. Such performances can be masterpieces of composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and others, providing people with an evening of elegant musical entertainment.
Opera Performance: Feel the magic of opera with mesmerizing performances, stunning scenery, stunning costumes, and amazing voices. These performances use drama and music to tell a story, and this, in turn, gives the audience an unforgettable experience of the great art that is in opera.
Ballet and Dance Performances: Watch ballet and dance performances that demonstrate the talents of ballet dancers from different countries and around the world. These shows include complex performances with the use of costumes, as well as dramatic gestures and movements that convey exciting stories through dance.
Jazz Concerts: Get in touch with the musical heart of jazz through the talents of different artists. These concerts include the use of improvisation, intricate rhythms and a combination of different jazz styles, which makes the musical experience very vibrant.
Family Concerts and Events: Go to concerts and shows that are meant for families and children so that the audience can be entertained. Such performances are usually accompanied by interactive parts, educational segments and various genres of music that are interesting for children and adults.
Choral Performances: Enjoy the majesty and the art of choral singing through the presentation of different choirs and vocal groups. Such concerts may include the performances of choral-orchestral music as well as secular music, which brings out the beauty of the harmonies.
New Year’s Concert: Welcome the New Year in style and enjoy a concert with an excellent selection of music. Such performances may comprise popular classical compositions, spirited dance numbers and songs that depict jubilation as people celebrate the coming of the new year.
Lecture Recitals: Listen to lecture recitals during which the music is performed also at the lecture recital centre, which gives the audience a better understanding of the music and the period in which it was created. Such events are informative and entertaining and make the audience better understand the pieces that are being presented.
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Opening Hours And Entrance Fees
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The Frankfurt-based Alte Oper is one of the most famous concert halls in the world and has a long history. Members of the public can tour it through public group tours at a cost of 8 euros per head with additional charges for online bookings. There are also special group tours for private bookings as well. It is usually operational from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and reservations can be made from Mondays to Fridays between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM and on Saturdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, thus enabling the clients to visit it at their own convenient time.
Best Time To Visit
The weather is warm, and the evenings are long, so the best time to visit the Alte Oper in Frankfurt is from May to September. The climate is quite moderate during this time, with an average of 11°C to 25°C (52°F to 77°F), which is perfect for going out and about, visiting the city and attending outdoor activities, concerts and festivals around the Alte Oper.
For lovers of classical music, the autumn and winter seasons, especially September and December, are filled with a rich list of concerts, including the festive ones. The best thing to do is to look at the calendar, check the timings of the event, and purchase tickets in advance since most events are popular and may sell out fast.
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How To Reach?
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Getting to Alte Oper is convenient, thanks to the city’s well-connected public transportation network. Below are the detailed ways to reach Alte Oper:
Public Transport
Frankfurt boasts an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, subways (U-Bahn), and commuter trains (S-Bahn). The nearest stations to Alte Oper are the U-Bahn lines U6 and U7, which stop at the “Alte Oper” station directly beside the concert hall. The nearest S-Bahn stations are “Hauptwache” and “Taunusanlage,” both within walking distance. Tram lines 12, 15, and 21 stop at the “Alte Oper” tram station, and several bus lines, including lines 32, 36, 42, and 52, have stops close to Alte Oper at the “Alte Oper” bus stop.
By Car
Alte Oper can be easily reached by car; if you are driving, you will find it located near the major roads and the autobahn. There are several parking spaces that are within proximity to Alte Oper; one of the best is the Opernturm Car Park, which is connected to Alte Oper, and the Alte Oper Public Car Park, situated under the concert hall.
By Bike
In Frankfurt, bike facilities such as lanes for bicycle riders and bike rental services are available. It is also possible to come to Alte Oper by bike and leave your bike in the bike stands around the opera house.
By Air
Frankfurt is home to one of the largest airports in Europe, and there are several means of transport to get to the airport. There are also S-Bahn lines S8 and S9; if you take these lines, you will get to the “Hauptwache” station within 20 minutes. From there, one can either walk or take the U-Bahn to get to Alte Oper, which is our next destination. In the other case, one can get a taxi or a car from the airport at a certain cost which has been agreed upon.
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The Alte Oper is one of the many pieces of evidence of the cultural history of Frankfurt and, at the same time, a symbol of the city’s modernity. This architectural masterpiece that has a rich history of being a concert hall and a place of worship is the epitome of the spirit of the city and its love for music. If you are a music lover, a history lover or just needing an exciting experience, the Alte Oper will not disappoint you. It would be a great shame to miss this chance to visit this famous symbol and get to know Frankfurt and its culture. Book your trip to Germany today and let the Alte Oper be the centrepiece of your unforgettable journey through this dynamic country.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alte Oper
When was Alte Oper Frankfurt built?
Alte Oper Frankfurt was built in 1880 as the city's opera house. It was destroyed in 1944 during World War II, then rebuilt and reopened as a concert hall in 1981.
What is the oldest surviving opera?
The oldest surviving opera is Euridice by Jacopo Peri, composed in 1600. It marks the early development of opera as an art form, though Peri's earlier work, Dafne, is lost.
What is the old name of Frankfurt?
Frankfurt's old name is Franconofurd, meaning ford of the Franks. This refers to its historical role as a crossing point on the Main River for the Frankish people.
How old is Frankfurt?
Frankfurt is over 1,200 years old, with its first recorded mention dating back to 794 AD. Its rich history spans centuries as a major European hub.
Why is Frankfurt so famous?
Frankfurt is famous for being the EU’s financial hub. It boasts a striking skyline, rich cultural history, a charming old town, and lively nightlife. The city also houses the European Central Bank and hosts the world’s largest book fair.
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