Semperoper Dresden

Beautiful theatre, but some of the seats they sell are a SCAM. It's criminal that they throw some extra chairs at the end of these rowes where NONE of the stage can be seen, and sell them with a little disclaimer that "part of the view may be obstructed". We bought 2nd tier, right side, row: 2, seat: 47 & 48 and I cam guarantee that if you buy these or the nearest seats, the ENTIRE stage view will be obstructed. Zero view of stage. Whatsoever. We had to stand to see the stage. We saw other people across the theatre in corresponding seats standing as well, and noticed that they just gave up and left after a while. There aren't enough bathrooms, it's probably a 1 toilet to a few hundred seats. The staff is a but rude. We saw The Magic Flute and the costumes and set design were on par with a children's play or community theater level. The performers were great, and the theatre was beautiful, but we could barely enjoy it because the seats were so horrid. They shouldn't scam people with those pathetic afterthought seats. Imagine buying a bus ticket, but it's a camp chair thats been duct-taped to the outside of the bus. Those were our seats.

Semperoper Dresden is one of Europe’s most impressive opera houses, both architecturally and historically. Originally opened in 1841 and designed by Gottfried Semper, the building was destroyed twice—most notably during World War II—and faithfully reconstructed, reopening in 1985. Its Neo-Renaissance exterior is richly detailed, while the interior feels elegant and grand without being overwhelming. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the building itself is a masterpiece and a true cultural symbol of Dresden.

I went to watch the Nutcracker. The door opened an hour before the ballet started, but don't arrive too early or you will need to wait in the cold just like what I did that day!!!! For reference, I'm 155cm tall. I sit on the ground floor at row 16 and could still see a clear view, that's because the seats start to get higher and higher from row 6

Did the 45min tour. It's beautiful inside indeed. They ask an extra 3 euros to take photos. Probably makes more sense to book a performance in advance instead

Very impressive building, both interior as well as exterior-wise. If you are an opera-fan, than you definitely have to visit this place. We decided to attend it on short notice, hence only seats with very restrictive were left, but to buy well in advance. Still very much recommendable!

We booked a tour to see inside the opera house, with English speaker guide. It last only 45 minutes, the guy explained pretty much what he wanted to say. In order to take pics you have to get a permission sticker for 3 euros per person. Basically, only 2 rooms we saw which was the entrance room and the main hall.

We attended Elisabeth – Das Musical at the Semperoper and had an absolutely spectacular evening, even with the most affordable tickets. The performance, the atmosphere, and the historic setting all came together for a truly memorable experience. Even though we don’t speak German, the musical was still thoroughly enjoyable—impressive vocals, moving music, and stunning stage design helped tell the story beautifully. It was a perfect way to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We went for the 7 PM summer show, which worked out wonderfully as we could enjoy a drink at the open-air foyer before the performance and during intermission. The elegant surroundings and warm weather added to the charm of the evening. If you’re in Dresden, catching a performance here is a must—even if you don’t understand the language. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

An extremely unpleasant experience at the Dresden Opera. We arrived among the first people at the ticket counter to buy tickets for the opera tour, but despite clearly standing in line, several people simply cut in front of us. No one intervened and no one respected the order. We had to watch as those who pushed ahead bought their tickets, and when it was finally our turn, right in front of us, we were told that the tickets were “sold out.” A frustrating and unfair situation that leaves a very bitter feeling in a place that should be about culture and respect. Regardless of how beautiful the building is, the organization and the lack of reaction from the staff were disappointing. Unfortunately, an experience that does not live up to the opera’s reputation.

Gorgeous venue for a performance! Very lush, plush, and ornate. Seats were extremely comfortable and although I could not speak tot he sight-lines we we had first row of the Mezzanine, I did not see people craning their heads to gain a good view I also thought it was extremely inventive and cool that on the front banister and at the backs of every chair, there were air vents to pump in heat or cooling so everyone was awarded their own personal climate control The opera itself was not my taste - they took La Traviata and put an Amy Winehouse spin on it. The story did not follow the original opera and they took numerous liberties with the plot. Even so, the performers' voices were outstanding so I kept my focus there.....sung in Italian with German subtitles Champagne intermission was neatly arranged so patrons could get out & to their glassies with enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. One final note - you want to dress up for this! Unlike San Francisco where people feel free to come in jeans, Semperoper Dresden patrons were in dresses, gowns and proper gala attire. Suits and tuxes for the gentlemen. Made for a celebratory ambiance and added to the overall experience Would not hesitate to come back!

Hard to believe no review has been written in English yet on this excellent opera house. This opera house truly is as good as it gets. I came here in October 2015 to see two operas and a chamber music concert as part of their Richard Strauss Tage 2015. The operas were Elektra and Arabella. The opera house is truly exquisite. The building itself is a work of art. What I particularly liked, though, was the acoustics in the opera house. In these two operas, the sound of the singers and orchestra filled the building and totally overwhelmed me. I've never been in another concert hall or opera house where I have quite had the same feeling. The opera house is on the smallish side, which helps a lot, and I don't think any seat is really a bad seat. I had seats in the orchestra section about eight or nine rows back in the center, and they were excellent seats. The quality of the singers, orchestra and productions are world class and top notch. You get a good feeling about seeing two operas by Richard Strauss in the exact same opera house where the composer himself witnessed their premiere. Any true opera lover has to visit this opera house at least once. In addition, Dresden has been beautifully restored and is a gem of a city. It's very walkable and with beautiful architecture and sites. I'm looking forward to my next opportunity to visit the city and see an opera in this outstanding opera house.