Adresse: Kreuzplatz 16
A-4820 Bad Ischl
+43/06132/21495
06132/21495
Email: office@lehartheater.at
The Lehár Theater in Bad Ischl, Austria, is a historic cultural venue located at Kreuzplatz 16 in the heart of this charming spa town in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. Established as a summer theater in 1827, it is one of Austria’s oldest theaters, originally named the k.u.k. Hoftheater due to its patronage by Emperor Franz Joseph I and the imperial family. Renamed in honor of the renowned operetta composer Franz Lehár in 1940, the theater reflects Bad Ischl’s legacy as a cultural hub for nobility and artists during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, it primarily functions as a cinema and a venue for diverse cultural events, including concerts, cabaret, and theater performances, while maintaining its historical significance.
Location: Kreuzplatz 16, 4820 Bad Ischl, Upper Austria, Austria,
within the UNESCO World Heritage Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape.
Construction: Built in 1826–1827 by architect Franz Ferdinand Edangler,
with expansions in 1865 (theater enlargement), 1882 (Hofloge staircase),
and 1904 (electric lighting).
Architectural Style: Biedermeier with
neoclassical elements, featuring a modest yet elegant facade and a
compact interior.
Current Status: A multifunctional venue operated by
the Bad Ischl community, primarily a cinema but also hosting concerts,
theater, cabaret, and lectures. Open year-round, managed by the Kongress
& TheaterHaus.
Cultural Significance: A historic stage for operettas
by Johann Strauss and Franz Lehár, frequented by imperial nobility and
artists like Nestroy and Schratt. Ranked #2 of 3 Fun & Games in Bad
Ischl on Tripadvisor with a 4/5 rating from limited reviews.
Proximity to Attractions: 200 meters from Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus, 400
meters from Lehár Villa, 600 meters from Kaiservilla, and 300 meters
from Kurpark.
The Lehár Theater’s history is rooted in Bad Ischl’s emergence as a
19th-century spa and imperial summer retreat, evolving from a modest
theater to a cultural landmark.
Origins (1793–1827): Before the
theater’s construction, performances were held in the cramped attic of
painter Lukas Krall (Kralltheater) starting around 1793. By the 1820s,
the growing popularity of Bad Ischl as a spa destination, attracting
aristocracy and artists, necessitated a dedicated venue. Dr. Franz
Wirer, a prominent spa doctor, provided land and spearheaded the
project, believing cultural entertainment enhanced medical treatments. A
stock corporation formed in the mid-1820s funded the theater, designed
by Salinenarchitekt Franz Ferdinand Edangler and opened on April 28,
1827, as the Ischler Kurtheater.
19th Century Glory: Initially called
the k.u.k. Hoftheater due to regular visits by Emperor Franz Joseph I
and his court, the theater became a summer cultural hub (June–September)
from 1827 to 1947. Its small stage and 400-seat auditorium hosted
operettas, operas, and dramas, with performances by luminaries like
Johann Nestroy, Alexander Girardi, Josefine Gallmeyer, and Katharina
Schratt, the Emperor’s friend. Conductors Johann Strauss and Franz Lehár
led productions, including works by Rossini, Verdi, and Offenbach. The
theater expanded in 1865, added a Hofloge staircase in 1882 for imperial
access, and installed electric lighting in 1904, reflecting its growing
prestige.
Early 20th Century: The theater thrived post-World War I,
with actors from Vienna’s Burgtheater and Theater in der Josefstadt,
including Hans Moser and Paula Wessely, performing. In 1921, it hosted
its first film screening, marking its transition to a cinema. Renamed
Lehár Theater in 1940 to honor Franz Lehár, who lived in Bad Ischl and
composed operettas like The Merry Widow, it continued summer
performances until 1947. The theater’s repertoire spanned Ferdinand
Raimund’s dramas, Schnitzler’s Anatol, and operettas by Strauss, Lehár,
and Kálmán.
Late 20th Century–Present: After 1947, the theater
shifted primarily to cinema use, hosting films year-round, but retained
its role for cultural events. A citizens’ group has advocated for its
preservation since the 2000s, with a planned €5.5 million restoration to
create a multifunctional cultural center. In 2007, a collaboration with
Vienna’s Theater in der Josefstadt, led by Herbert Föttinger, revived
performances, including plays like Halpern & Johnson with Otto Schenk.
The theater remains a symbol of Bad Ischl’s imperial and operetta
heritage, complementing the Lehár Festival held at the nearby Kongress &
TheaterHaus.
The Lehár Theater is a compact, elegant Biedermeier building with
neoclassical influences, designed to blend functionality with aesthetic
appeal.
Exterior: Located at Kreuzplatz, the theater features a
simple yet stately facade with a neoclassical porch, described as
“elegant and inviting” by visitors. The pale exterior, typical of
Biedermeier architecture, contrasts with the vibrant cultural life
inside. A bust of Helmut Berger, a Bad Ischl-born actor, stands nearby,
though it is often confused with the Lehár Filmtheater, a separate
cinema at the same address. The theater’s modest scale reflects its
origins as a summer venue for a spa town.
Interior: The auditorium,
seating approximately 400, includes a parterre, a gallery with loges,
and two upper galleries for standing and seated spectators. The hall’s
red and gold decor creates an “atmospheric” ambiance, per Tripadvisor
reviews, with a small stage suited for intimate performances. The 1865
expansion enlarged the auditorium, and the 1882 Hofloge staircase, added
for imperial privacy, remains a historical feature. Electric lighting
installed in 1904 modernized the space, though the interior retains its
19th-century charm.
Stage and Facilities: The stage, described as
“relatively small,” was adequate for operettas and dramas but limited
larger productions, relying on the Ischler Kurorchester (until 1857) and
later a dedicated theater orchestra. The foyer and adjacent spaces
support modern cinema and event functions, with basic amenities like a
ticket counter and bar.
Cinema and Events: The Lehár Theater operates as a cinema 364 days a
year, screening contemporary films. It also hosts concerts (classical,
jazz, folklore), cabaret, lectures, and theater, with performances by
local and Viennese artists. Events are less frequent than at the
Kongress & TheaterHaus, which hosts the Lehár Festival.
Historical
Significance: The theater’s association with Franz Lehár, Johann
Strauss, and imperial patrons like Franz Joseph I makes it a cultural
landmark. Its role in premiering works by Schnitzler and hosting stars
like Isadora Duncan and Richard Tauber adds to its prestige.
Visitor
Access: The interior is accessible during events or by special
arrangement, with the red-and-gold hall and Hofloge staircase as
highlights. Guided tours are rare but can be requested via the Bad Ischl
tourism office.
Cultural Context: The theater complements Bad Ischl’s
operetta legacy, with the Lehár Festival (July–August at Kongress &
TheaterHaus) showcasing works like Lehár’s Die blaue Mazur and Strauss’s
Eine Nacht in Venedig in 2025, celebrating the town’s musical heritage.
The Lehár Theater is a niche attraction, valued for its historical
charm and intimate setting, though it is sometimes confused with the
Lehár Filmtheater (a cinema at the same address). Tripadvisor reviews
highlight its appeal for culture enthusiasts, with a 4/5 rating from
limited feedback.
Positives:
Historical Ambiance: Visitors
praise the “atmospheric” red-and-gold hall and its “elegant” facade,
evoking the Austro-Hungarian era. The theater’s role as a k.u.k.
Hoftheater, frequented by emperors and artists, adds allure.
Versatile Events: Concerts, cabaret, and plays offer diverse
entertainment, with reviewers appreciating the “cozy” 400-seat venue for
intimate performances. The cinema’s near-daily operation ensures
accessibility.
Central Location: Just 200 meters from Pfarrkirche St.
Nikolaus and 400 meters from Lehár Villa, it’s ideal for a cultural
stroll through Bad Ischl’s historic center, near Café Zauner and the
Kurpark.
Cultural Connection: The theater’s link to Lehár and the
imperial court resonates with visitors exploring Bad Ischl’s 2024
European Capital of Culture legacy.
Challenges:
Confusion with
Lehár Filmtheater: Reviews clarify that the Lehár Theater
(Kurpark/Kongress & TheaterHaus events) is distinct from the Kreuzplatz
cinema, causing confusion due to shared naming and address.
Limited
Access: The interior is only open during events or by request, unlike
the Lehár Villa’s regular tours. No dedicated museum or self-guided
access exists.
Modest Scale: The small stage and auditorium may
underwhelm those expecting a grand venue like Vienna’s Burgtheater,
though its intimacy is a draw for others.
Language: Events and
signage are primarily in German, with English support limited to tourist
office inquiries.
Opening Hours (2025): Open 364 days a year for cinema screenings
(daily, typically 6:00 PM–10:00 PM) and events (schedule varies). Check
www.lehartheater.at or www.kongress-badischl.at for showtimes and
performances.
Admission: Cinema tickets: €8–12 (adults), €5–8
(children). Event prices vary (€15–50, depending on performance). Free
entry for exterior viewing or inquiries via tourism office.
Access:
By Foot: A 5-minute walk from Bad Ischl’s Esplanade or Auböckplatz
(tourism office). The theater is centrally located, steps from
Kurhausstraße.
By Car: From Salzburg (60 km, 50 minutes), take B158;
from Vienna (280 km, 3 hours), use A1 to Regau, then B145. Short-term
parking at Traunkai or Kurhausstraße (€1.60/90 minutes, free 6:00
PM–8:00 AM). Long-term parking at Zentrumstiefgarage (€6 with Lehár
Festival validation).
By Public Transport: Bad Ischl Train Station
(800 meters) connects to Salzburg (1 hour) and Vienna (2.5 hours) via
ÖBB. Bus Line 542 to Schröpferplatz (200 meters). Salzkammergut Shuttle
(+43 50 422 422) offers call-and-drive service.
By Bike: The
Salzkammergut Cycle Path passes near Kreuzplatz, with rentals at Bad
Ischl station.
Accessibility: The historic building has limited
wheelchair access; contact staff for assistance (+43 6132 27757). Events
offer hearing aids or induction loops with advance notice (+43 664
1447615).
Contact:
Phone: +43 6132 27757
Email:
office@badischl.at
Website:
www.kongress-badischl.at/locations/lehar-theater.html,
www.lehartheater.at
Tourism Office: +43 6132 277570,
office@badischl.at, www.badischl.salzkammergut.at
Visitor Tips:
Visit in summer (July–August) to pair with the Lehár Festival at
Kongress & TheaterHaus (550 meters), featuring operettas like Die blaue
Mazur (August 8, 2025).
Check event schedules on www.lehartheater.at
to access the interior during concerts or plays.
Use the
Salzkammergut Card (available at hotels) for regional transport and
attraction discounts.
Combine with Lehár Villa (400 meters),
Kaiservilla (600 meters), or a coffee at Konditorei Zauner (300 meters)
for a cultural day.
Avoid confusion by confirming “Lehár Theater”
(Kreuzplatz) versus “Lehár Filmtheater” or Kongress & TheaterHaus
events.
The Lehár Theater is a cornerstone of Bad Ischl’s cultural heritage, embodying its role as the imperial summer residence and a cradle of operetta. Its 1827 opening, driven by Dr. Franz Wirer’s vision of cultural healing, marked Bad Ischl’s rise as a spa destination for the Habsburg elite. Performances by Nestroy, Strauss, and Lehár, alongside visits from Emperor Franz Joseph I and Katharina Schratt, cemented its prestige. The theater’s renaming for Franz Lehár, who lived nearby and composed masterpieces like The Merry Widow, underscores its musical legacy. Though now primarily a cinema, its continued use for diverse events and collaboration with Viennese theaters preserve its Biedermeier-era spirit, complementing the Lehár Festival’s operetta focus. The planned restoration aims to elevate it into a modern cultural center, ensuring its relevance in Bad Ischl’s 2024 European Capital of Culture legacy.