Vienna Theater - one of the oldest theaters in the Austrian capital, founded in 1801 by theater impresario Emanuel Schikaneder. The building was designed by the architect Franz Jaeger in the Empire style. The theater was described as "the most equipped and one of the largest theaters of its time."

The theater became particularly popular during the heyday of Viennese operetta. From 1945 to 1955 he was one of the temporary shelters the Vienna State Opera, whose buildings were destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. In 1955 the theater was closed for security reasons. He had not been used for several years, and in the early 1960s there was a threat that it will be converted into garages. Fortunately, in 1962 theater was opened and found a new role for itself successful as a venue for contemporary musical theater. Many English and German musicals were shown in the theater.

In 1992 the theater premiered the musical "Elisabeth" (the wife of Franz Joseph I, also known as Sisi). A musical "Cats" director and choreographer Gillian Lynne successfully existed in the theater for seven years.

Despite its emphasis on operetta and musicals, the theater continues to serve as venue for opera productions, especially in the festival season. In 2006, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart, the theater has presented a number of major operas of the great composer. This marked the beginning of his conversion to the opera under the direction of Roland Geyer.

During its long history the theater has seen many bright premieres such as "Fidelio" by Beethoven, "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss the younger, "The Count of Luxembourg" composer Franz Lehar.

Currently, the Vienna Theatre collaborates with other renowned opera houses: in Washington, Madrid, Amsterdam, Dresden.