Alte Oper

Alte Oper is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Frankfurt audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~20 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.

Alte Oper, Frankfurt
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

About Alte Oper

The Alte Oper, the old opera house of Frankfurt, opened in 1880, burned out in 1944 and rebuilt with the help of its citizens as a concert hall that reopened in 1981.

The house was first paid for by rich citizens and designed by the Berlin architect Richard Lucae. After the war its ruin stood empty for more than thirty years, until citizens' groups raised money to rebuild it. Only the front and the entrance halls were rebuilt in the old style; inside is a modern concert hall. The city's opera company now plays in another house, on Theaterplatz.

The building is open only for concerts and events, from one hour before the start, and for some guided tours. You can see the front and the fountain on Opernplatz at any time.

Did you know? The Alte Oper in Frankfurt opened on 20 October 1880 with Mozart's Don Giovanni, and its last performance before it burned out in 1944 was also Don Giovanni.

How long should you spend at Alte Oper?

Plan about ~20 min at Alte Oper. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.

Is Alte Oper worth visiting?

Alte Oper is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Frankfurt, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.

Nearby stops in Frankfurt

Sources and further reading

Where to check the facts about Alte Oper and read more:

Updated:

Hear the story of Alte Oper

Preview the Frankfurt tour free in the Gingerguide app.