Until the end of the monarchy, today’s Middle Box - as the so-called »Hoffestloge« - was reserved for the imperial family and its guests. It was, as the name suggests, a »festive box« used on special occasions. With the width of four individual boxes, two stories high and decorated with draperies as well as the double eagle, it was located on the central axis of the auditorium exactly opposite the stage. Franz Joseph invited other monarchs and state guests to this box; in addition, a proscenium box on the left and right of the first tier and on the first floor were reserved for the court.

Today, seats in the central box are freely available, although state guests can still attend opera performances in the central box. At the Opera Ball, the Mittelloge is reserved for the Federal President and the Austrian Federal Government (with any state guests).

Overview