To mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss, the Theatermuseum in Vienna is opening its doors to a unique exhibition about the Waltz King. This show offers you the perfect opportunity to experience the splendor of the Strauss era in the city that made his music a global sensation.

Set design for "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss, design: Alfred Moser, undated Theater a. d. Wien, premiere 1874 © KHM-Museumsverband, Theatermuseum

Set against the historic backdrop of the magnificent Palais Lobkowitz, the Theatermuseum presents an impressive collection of objects celebrating the life and work of Johann Strauss Sohn. Whether you come to Vienna out of love for Strauss or want to rediscover the city through his music - this exhibition is a must!
For the first time, exhibits from the written estate, including the original score to the operetta Die Fledermaus, will be shown in conjunction with original objects from performances of his stage works, creating a delightful combination of the artist's musical creations and their realization on stage. In addition, historical and political contexts are illustrated.

Johann Strauss was a superstar of his time. In the field of dance music, he achieved a further development towards sophisticated concert music. As conductor and violinist "Schani Strauss", he thrilled his audiences. Extensive tours took him from Europe to Russia and the USA. He was also enterprising and a talented organizer who also skilfully deployed his brothers Josef and Eduard for the family business, while his wives oversaw the appointments and finances in the background. He engaged artists such as the singer and first director of the Theater an der Wien, Marie Geistinger, and the stage star Alexander Girardi, who guaranteed the success of his operettas.

Figurine for the costume of Dr. Falke from Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss. Design: Stella Junker-Weißenberg, 1937 © KHM-Museumsverband, Theatermuseum

The exhibition sheds light on Johann Strauss' extremely stressful life, his relationships with his parents and brothers, the so-called "company", his three wives and his love adventures in Russia. In addition to his dance and march music, the show also focuses on his "Waltz for the World" An der schönen blauen Donau and his stage works, in particular Die Fledermaus.
The composer created over 500 works of dance and concert music as well as 16 stage works, which we still encounter today not only in the concert hall but also in everyday life - from the New Year's Concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein to films and advertising to welcome music when landing in Vienna. The phenomenon of Johann Strauss is still relevant today.
Johann Strauss - The Exhibition is a cooperation between the Theatermuseum and the Vienna Library in City Hall and takes place as part of Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna.
December 4, 2024 to June 23, 2025
www.theatermuseum.at