Graz The bombing towards the end of WWII slightly damaged the front section of the theatre, and the destroyed portico over the main entrance had to be removed after the war. Recently, its renovation has been considered, which would bring the building back to its original appearance. The opulent decorations include the paintings and stucco ornaments in the auditorium as well as the painted curtain. The separate entrance in the side façade leads into the salon of the Emperor’s Box. View of the entire theatre on a period colorized postcard. View of the entire theatre on a period engraving. MNICHOVO HRADIŠTĚ STAVOVSKÉ DIVADLO Kačina Litomyšl Český Krumlov Weitra (Vitoraz) Grein Theatre an der Wien Graz – SchauspielHAUS Graz – OPERA HISTORY As is the case in the majority of the theatres designed by Fellner and Helmer, the auditorium combines large galleries located in the rear with rows of boxes along the sides. During intermissions, audience members can take advantage of the lavish hallways and cloakrooms, decorated in the same Neo-Baroque style as the other areas. Like the architectural decorations, the stairway in the imposing vestibule is inspired by the Viennese palaces of the 18th century. One section of the subdivided main foyer can be used for chamber concerts and lectures. The size and opulent decorations of the auditorium, which can accommodate an audience of 1,200, impress all who enter. Photo: Martina Novozámská Interiors A glass-walled bridge connects the historical building with the new scenery storage area built in the 1980s according to the design prepared by Gunther Wawrik. The architects used the same motif on the rear façade as that which was originally used above the main entrance. Photo: Cezar Suceveanu (CC BY-SA) The construction of the new storage area and facilities used a part of the older wooden Thalia Theatre building, which was the predecessor of the Opera House. The side façade reveals how strongly the building was influenced by Viennese Baroque architecture, particularly by the work of Johann Fischer von Erlach. Photo: Martina Novozámská View of the front façade. Its appearance changed when the portico above the entrance was removed after having been damaged by wartime bombing. Exterior