The Vienna Staatsoper, built in 1861, is one of the most significant opera houses in the world. In 1945 restoration work on the theater began and was finished in 1955, just in time to celebrate the country's independence from occupation. The Italian Renaissance-style building hosts operas of unparalleled caliber and is also home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Standing-room tickets are often available for very cheap – arrive at the box office on the night of the performance and ask if standing-room tickets are still available.
