ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Franck Bohbot Photographs Vienna State Opera in Silence

exhibition · 2026-08-03

French photographer Franck Bohbot has launched a new series of photographs highlighting the stunning architecture of the Vienna State Opera, capturing it without any performers or audience members. This iconic opera house, designed by August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll, opened its doors in 1869 and faced criticism at first but eventually became a symbol of Vienna’s rich cultural heritage. Bohbot’s photos emphasize the building's luxurious features, like its marble staircases, Corinthian columns, and detailed gold accents. The series focuses on the opera hall and circulation spaces, showcasing the deep red velvet seats. After sustaining damage from Allied bombings in 1945, the venue was beautifully restored in 1955.

Key facts

  • Franck Bohbot is a French photographer and filmmaker.
  • The Vienna State Opera was completed in 1869 on Vienna's Ringstrasse.
  • The opera house was designed by August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll.
  • The building was initially criticized upon completion.
  • During World War II, much of the opera house was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945.
  • Reconstruction was completed in 1955.
  • Bohbot's photographs show the opera house without performers or spectators.
  • The series includes images of marble staircases, Corinthian columns, vaulted ceilings, and gilded ornament.

Entities

Artists

  • Franck Bohbot

Institutions

  • Vienna State Opera
  • designboom

Locations

  • Vienna
  • Austria

Sources