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Seen from the Ringstrasse, the majestic stone building is dominated by the original loggia, which survived World War II.

The bronze statues, placed in the five arches of the loggia, are a creation of Ernst Julius Hähnel (1876) and are allegories of heroism, drama, fantasy, comedy and love, as seen from left to right.

The two fountains on each side of the opera house were created by Josef Gasser (1817– 68). They represent two worlds: music, dance and joy on the left, and the siren Lorelei supported by sorrow, love and vengeance on the right.

The magnificent marble staircase, decorated with frescoes, mirrors and chandeliers, leads to the auditorium. Placed in the arches are more statues by Josef Gasser, illustrating the seven liberal arts: architecture, sculpture, poetry, dance, art, music and drama.

Created by Johann Preleuthner, two reliefs show the two genres performed in the house: opera and ballet.

In the superb Schwind Foyer are 16 oil paintings by Moritz von Schwind representing some famous operas, including Beethoven’s Fidelio and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville . A bust of the composers is placed underneath each illustration.

The bronze bust of the composer Gustav Mahler, who was the director of the Vienna Court Opera for 10 years from 1897 to 1907, was created by French sculptor Auguste Rodin in 1909. Mahler’s bust is placed in the Schwind Foyer, along with other busts of “conducting directors” who have all worked at the Vienna State Opera House.

The most splendid room in the house is the Tea Salon. The centre-piece is a fireplace flanked by pillars and mirrors.

The auditorium was rebuilt after World War II, but the basic 1869 design with three box circles and two open circles was maintained.

Nine tapestries in the Gustav Mahler Hall, designed by Rudolf Eisenmenger, show scenes from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute .