Opening date set

Bad Ischl: How the Lehártheater is being renovated

The Lehártheater was only provisionally open in 2024.(Bild: Hörmandinger Marion)

Last year, there were outcries that the Lehártheater was not shining in new splendor for the Capital of Culture in Bad Ischl and the Salzkammergut. It is only now that the refurbishment, which will last until 2027, is on track. A utilization concept is also already available.

The Lehártheater in Bad Ischl, which is in need of refurbishment, shone from time to time during the Capital of Culture year. Truly refreshing theater and discussion events took place until November - there was no heating.

Nevertheless, it was an important venue. "At the moment you can tell that something is happening," says Ines Schiller, Mayor of Bad Ischl. Now the renovation of the theater jewel, built in 1827 in the Empire style, is finally to be put on track.

Heritage protection for the Empire-style jewel
The design plan and cost estimate are ready: "9.8 million euros net, of which over 4 million are for listed building measures," says Schiller. The Ministry of Culture, the Federal Monuments Office, the state of Upper Austria and the city will shoulder the costs. The usual cost containment process is still underway.

The Lehár Theater was sometimes used during the Capital of Culture.(Bild: Solane)

Anniversary should reopen "little castle"
One expensive point is certainly the listed ceiling, which has to be removed, renovated and reinstalled. The roof has already been partially renovated. The heating, sanitary facilities, electrics, an extension and conversions, including for accessibility, need to be redone.

Mobile stage, mobile chairs and tables
As things stand at present, refurbishment will not begin until the end of 2025. The reopening is scheduled for fall 2027 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Lehár Theater. Incidentally, the theater is also known as the "little castle", as famous artists such as Johann Nestroy and Alexander Girardi once performed here.

The future utilization concept - mobile stage, also changeable: 200 to 400 seats - provides for cinema operations, cooperation with the Landestheater and other theaters, as well as rental. Local clubs will also have a stage here.