Bayerische Staatsoper

The Bayerische Staatsoper is one of the oldest opera houses in the world and is considered one of Europe’s leading opera institutions. Founded in 1653, it looks back on over 350 years of history. With 2,101 seats, its main venue—the Nationaltheater in Munich—is the largest opera house in Germany. Each year, the Bayerische Staatsoper presents over 400 performances, including opera, ballet, and concerts, offering a wide-ranging repertoire from classical opera to contemporary ballet. The house is distinguished by its collaborations with internationally renowned conductors, directors, singers, and dancers. In 1875, the Munich Opera Festival was held for the first time as the “Festlicher Sommer” (“Festive Summer”) at what was then the Court and National Theatre. Since then, the Munich Opera Festival has become a cornerstone of the international opera calendar. With its rich repertoire, musical excellence, and a balance of tradition and innovation, it is now regarded as one of the most prestigious opera festivals in the world. In summer 2025, the Bayerische Staatsoper celebrated 150 years Munich Opera Festival, and launched its new streaming platform Staatsoper.tv. Opera, ballet, and classical music enthusiasts worldwide can now experience selected productions both live and on demand—including exclusive archival recordings. For the first time, the platform brings together audiovisual content from the Bayerische Staatsoper, the Bayerisches Staatsballett, and the Bayerisches Staatsorchester—initially free of charge. New formats also offer behind-the-scenes insights into the renowned opera house, portraying the people and professions that keep the world of opera running beyond the stage.