Congress & Theater Bad Ischl

Congress & Theater Bad Ischl is a historic and cultural venue in the spa town of Bad Ischl, Austria. It was originally built as a Kurhaus (spa house) in 1875 and hosted many famous guests, such as artists, emperors, and composers. The building was partially destroyed by a fire in 1965, but was rebuilt and renovated several times. Today, it serves as a congress center and a theater house, hosting various events, such as scientific and medical congresses, corporate meetings, product presentations, the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl, cultural events, balls, and events by local clubs. The Congress & Theater Bad Ischl combines regional charm and urban flair, and offers a stress-free atmosphere, a warm naturalness, and an inspiring environment for its visitors. It is located in the center of Bad Ischl, surrounded by mountains and lakes, and easily accessible by public or private transport.

A Place of History and Culture

The Kurhaus, as it was originally called, was built in 1875 by the architect Franz Zellner, who designed it in a neo-Renaissance style. The house was intended to serve as a spa house for the guests of the famous Bad Ischl spa, which was renowned for its healing waters and its imperial clientele. The house soon became a popular meeting place for the high society of the time, who enjoyed its elegant and comfortable facilities, such as the concert hall, the reading room, the billiard room, the café, and the restaurant.

The Kurhaus witnessed many historical events and personalities, such as the signing of the declaration of war against Serbia in 1914, which triggered the First World War, or the visits of famous artists, scientists, and politicians, such as Johannes Brahms, Anton Bruckner, Clara Schumann, Arthur Schnitzler, Sigmund Freud, and Otto von Bismarck. One of the most frequent and illustrious guests of the house was Emperor Franz Joseph I, who spent his summer vacations in Bad Ischl and celebrated his 66th birthday in the Kurhaus in 1906.

The Kurhaus was also a place of musical inspiration and creation, as many composers chose to stay and work in the house, such as Franz Lehár, Emmerich Kálmán, Oscar Straus, Robert Stolz, and Ralph Benatzky. They composed some of their most famous operettas and musicals in the house, such as The Merry Widow, The Land of Smiles, The Count of Luxembourg, The Chocolate Soldier, and White Horse Inn. The house became a symbol of the golden age of operetta, which reached its peak in the early 20th century.

A Place of Modernity and Innovation

The Kurhaus was severely damaged by a fire in 1965, which destroyed most of its interior and roof. However, thanks to the efforts of the local community and the support of the federal and provincial governments, the house was rebuilt and reopened in 1999 as a modern congress and theater center, while preserving its historical facades and some of its original features, such as the marble staircase, the chandeliers, and the frescoes.

Today, the Congress & Theater House is a multifunctional venue that hosts around 120 events per year, ranging from scientific and medical congresses, corporate meetings, product presentations, and seminars, to various cultural events, such as musicals, operas, ballets, concerts, and theater performances. One of the highlights of its cultural program is the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl, which celebrates the operetta composer Franz Lehár, who lived and worked in Bad Ischl and composed some of his most famous works, such as The Merry Widow, The Land of Smiles, and The Count of Luxembourg, in the house. The festival, which takes place every summer, attracts thousands of visitors and features international stars and renowned orchestras.

The Congress & Theater House is located in the middle of the idyllic spa gardens, which offer a relaxing and beautiful setting for the visitors. The house combines historical facades with contemporary interiors and state-of-the-art technology, creating a contrast between tradition and modernity. The house has a theater hall with 830 seats, a congress hall with 300 seats, and several smaller halls and rooms for different purposes, all equipped with the latest audiovisual and communication systems. The house also has a restaurant and a café, where guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks, and a spacious foyer, where exhibitions and receptions can be held.

Bad Ischl, Austria