Josefstädter Str. 26The Theater in der Josefstadt is a theater in Vienna in the eighth district of Josefstadt. It was founded in 1788 and is the oldest still performing theater in Vienna. It is often referred to colloquially as simply Die Josefstadt.
The Theater in der Josefstadt - with more than 350,000 visitors and with over 700 performances per season - is one of the most successful stages in the German-speaking theater landscape.
Known as a performance venue for the best artistic forces, the house stands for the highest quality acting. Its story began very modestly: In 1788 the stage was built to bring more sales to the "Bey den golden ostriches" inn at Josefstädter Straße 26. But as early as 1822 the house, which had become too small for the crowds, was replaced by a new building. The new theater was opened with Ludwig van Beethoven's overture "The Consecration of the House" - conducted by the master himself.
Ferdinand Raimund and Johann Nestroy played here, Johann Strauss conducted. In 1924 Max Reinhardt had the Josefstadt rebuilt - into a room for escape from the present, furnished with red damask, gold jewelry and Venetian chandelier pomp.
In this architectural jewel, a team committed to contemporary theater works today under director Herbert Föttinger on premieres and premieres and contemporary interpretations.
The theater in der Josefstadt has 564 seats.