Ronacher: A Viennese Stage with a Storied Past

The Ronacher stands as a cultural icon in Vienna, boasting a history that spans over a century. Built in 1871-1872 by Ferdinand Fellner the Elder and Ferdinand Fellner the Younger, it was initially conceived as the Wiener Stadttheater, a 'Viennese City Theater' intended to offer an alternative to the imperial court theaters. The theater opened its doors on September 15, 1872, with a performance of Schiller's 'Demetrius'. In 1884, a fire destroyed the building, leading to its purchase by Anton Ronacher in 1886. He commissioned Ferdinand Fellner the Younger and Hermann Helmer to redesign it as a concert and ball house, reopening in 1888 as the Ronacher. For decades, it served as a prominent venue for vaudeville and variety performances, hosting renowned artists like Josephine Baker. After World War II, the Ronacher briefly served as an alternative stage for the Burgtheater, which had been damaged during the war. It later transitioned into a television studio before returning to its theatrical roots in 1984. In 1987, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien (VBW) took over the Ronacher, revitalizing it as a leading musical theater. Today, the Ronacher continues to captivate audiences with its spectacular productions, blending historical charm with state-of-the-art technology. The theater has been certified with the Austrian Ecolabel since 2025, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. The Ronacher offers wheelchair spaces in the stalls, accessible restrooms, and staff support.