The Theater an der Wien was built by Emanuel Schikaneder. Construction was launched in the end of the 18th Century and in 1801 the theater was officially opened. Emanuel Schikaneder, whose statue can still be seen in front of the theatre, is famous for his artistic work and grand initiatives in favour of art. But he is most commonly known as the librettist of Mozart and the assistant to the great composer for the opera 'The Magic Flute.

The original building was built in imperial style though much of its was reconstructed and remodeled by now. The authentic gate, Papageno gate, was preserved and it serves now as a memorial to the founder of the theatre Schikaneder. Papageno is a role Schikaneder wrote for himself to play. The theatre started as an opera and the start was more than successful. In the first half of the 20th Century, Theater an der Wien was seriously affected by the war. After World War II it went through a great revival, becoming the official home of the Vienna State Opera, whose original theatre was destroyed in the bombings. In the 50s and 60s, the place was best known for incorporating new inspirations into operettas and musicals in the Austrian capital. Many of the most famous American musicals premiered in front of the German audience here.

In the rich history of the Theater an der Wien many famous composers and musicians performed here. Beethoven’s opera 'Fidelio' was one of the most spectacular premieres. Johann Strauss also had his performances on the famous stage. With such a glorious past the theatre was bound to make a grand comeback in the 21st Century. In 2006, it was re-opened on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth. It was opened as The New Opera House. Theater an der Wien has a full year round opera program with premieres each month. It was fully renovated and represents today one of the richest, best equipped and most famous opera houses in Europe.