- Address: Christina Nilssons gata, 411 04 Goteborg, Sweden
- Phone: +46 31 10 80 00
- Website: sv.opera.se
- Number of seats: 1 301
- Architect: Jan Izikowitz
- Years of construction: 1989-1994
- Ticket price: $ 11-96
In the Swedish city of Gothenburg there is an opera house, which can be called a masterpiece of modern architecture. It looks like a huge ship moored on the banks of the Geta Canal . Despite the fact that the costly construction of the Geterborg Opera caused public outcry, it is now one of the city's main adornments.
Construction of the Gothenburg Opera House
The idea of creating an opera house in Gothenburg belonged to the head of the City Theater Karl Johan Strem. After him, already in 1964-66. representatives of the construction company Peterson & Soner also tried to attract local authorities and find investors for the construction of a musical theater. At the end of 1968, a competition was announced among architects for the best project of the Gothenburg Opera. Due to political tension, the construction of this facility was again postponed.
By 1973, on the site, where it was originally planned to build an opera house, the construction of the hotel began. That's why the Gothenburg Opera was built just to the north - in the part of the city where several old buildings were demolished. Its official opening took place in 1994.
The construction of the opera was not without scandal. In 1973, the cost of its project reached 70 million kroons, and by the end of the 1970s this amount had risen to 100 million. Calling such expenses irrational, many public figures launched a campaign to collect signatures against this costly project.
The architectural style of the Gothenburg Opera
When designing the opera house, architect Jan Izkovits was inspired by the style of postmodernism, while trying to make the building more light and airy. The exterior of the Gothenburg Opera is in perfect harmony with the surroundings - the harbor, city bridges, magnificent landscapes. At the same time the theater itself looks like an elegant sailboat, smoothly and confidently moving on the water.
The interior of the Gothenburg Opera is as light and luxurious. Its main decorations are:
- magnificent halls, sustained in the classical style;
- The colonnades serving as a symbolic curtain;
- Tower, similar to a giant lighting equipment.
The form and color design of the halls is also sustained in the traditional style for opera houses. At the same time they are equipped with modern technical equipment.
Technical features of the Gothenburg Opera
With all its architectural splendor and technical equipment, this opera house also has impressive dimensions. At a width of 85 m the length of the building of the Gothenburg Opera is 160 m. The main stage alone has an area of 500 sq. M. m. Its basis is four platforms, capable of moving vertically and designed for a load of 15 tons each.
Having registered for an excursion to the Gothenburg Opera, you can also visit:
- a huge music library;
- theatrical studios and workshops;
- a popular restaurant with a veranda overlooking the Geta Canal.
The auditorium of the Gothenburg Opera is designed for 1300 people. It is equipped with modern monitors and sound reflectors. On his stage not only operas, but also operettas, musicals, musical shows are staged.
How to get to Gothenburg Opera?
This opera house is located in the Swedish city of Gothenburg on the banks of the Geta Canal. From the city center to the Gothenburg Opera, you can reach the streets of Vastra Sjofarten, Nils Ericsonsgatan and Sankt Eriksgatan. Less than 300 m away is the Lilla Bommen stop, which can be reached by tram lines Nos. 5, 6, 10 or by buses Nos. 1, 11, 25, 55.