Bayreuth Festspielhaus

Conceived of and constructed at the behest of Richard Wagner, the Bayreuth Festspielhaus exclusively showcases the composer's operatic creations. The opera house first opened its doors in 1876, and has since been the venue of choice for the annual Bayreuth Festival. Built upon a rather unusual design, by 19th-century standards, the main hall features a steeply rising seating area that is designed to ensure that every member of the audience is afforded an unobstructed view of the stage. The hidden orchestra cave is an innovation of Wagner's own design, further adding to the ethereal quality of his operas by creating the optical illusion of distance. As one of the world's largest, freestanding timber structures, the Bayreuth Festspielhaus is as much an architectural wonder as it is a haven for fans of opera. The opera house is also sometimes referred to as the Richard-Wagner-Festspielhaus.