Court opera in Vienna emerged in the mid-17th century, opera performances were staged in various theatres. In 1861, construction of the building for the Vienna Opera began, designed by the architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg (1813-1868) and Eduard van der Nüll (1812-1868). The grand opening of the opera house took place on May 25, 1869 in the presence of the imperial couple Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, the opera "Don Giovanni" by W.A. Mozart was performed on that day.

The Vienna State Opera is the largest opera house in Austria and one of the most important opera centres in the world. The theatre offers its audiences an extremely varied repertoire and is deservedly considered the guardian of the best traditions of the Viennese classical school, first and foremost Mozart.

The opera "Don Giovanni", the production of which marked the inauguration of the Vienna Opera, is the greatest opera ever written. In support of this thesis, at least three people with a special right to have their opinion heard in this field – Gioachino Rossini, Charles Gounod and Richard Wagner – have spoken out.

To mark the 155th anniversary of the Vienna State Opera opening, museum "Collection" has prepared a musical selection comprised of the fragments from the opera "Don Giovanni" by W.A. Mozart, digitised from gramophone records from the museum Sound Library.

The gramophone record in the "Music Records" section features the overture from this opera (1st and 2nd movements), performed by the Berlin State Opera Orchestra conducted by Leo Blech, 1871–1858).

Review articles "History of the Vienna State Opera" and "History of the opera "Don Giovanni" by W.A. Mozart" – in the "Articles and Reviews" section.

Today, the Vienna State Opera is one of the world's leading opera houses. It is deservedly regarded as the guardian of the best traditions of the Viennese classical school, especially Mozart, and its repertoire represents a juncture of all opera literature. More than 60 operas and ballets are performed on the famous stage over 285 days per season–- this density of performances places the Vienna Opera in first place internationally.

Once a year, the stage and parquet of the State Opera House are transformed for one night into a huge ballroom – the world-famous Viennese Opera Ball is held here, where the President of Austria is the honorary chairman and more than a hundred pairs of debutantes in long evening gowns and tail-coats open this ball of balls.