Official website: https://www.theater-essen.de/oper/
Opera house designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898-1976). Unfortunately he never saw the finished building, which was completed in 1988, but his attention to detail and care for the users of the building is evident throughout. As well as the building, all of the elements inside are his designs, including the furniture in the cafeteria and foyer.
The auditorium accommodates 1125 people, and features leather details on the seating which keep a consistent acoustic quality for the performers whether or not there is an audience present.
The safety curtain (iron) rises from the downstage edge of the orchestra pit.