{"id":1664,"date":"2016-02-03T09:10:00","date_gmt":"2016-02-03T08:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?page_id=1664"},"modified":"2025-06-10T14:23:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T13:23:37","slug":"theatres-cinemas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/activities\/theatres-cinemas\/","title":{"rendered":"Cinemas &#038; theatres"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cinematheatresmall.jpg\" alt=\"people watching a film in a cinema\" class=\"wp-image-59660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cinematheatresmall.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cinematheatresmall-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Since German is the national language in Austria, you might think stage or screen entertainment could prove a little tricky&nbsp;for English speakers. Not so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many cinemas show English-language films<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find international plays at\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The English Theatre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open House Theatre<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Burgtheater is the city&#8217;s showpiece theatre\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Subtitles sometimes available via an app<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/concerts-opera-vienna-tickets-l206741\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_Cinemas\" rel=\"sponsored\">classical concert<\/a>* for your trip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/activities\/\">What to do in Vienna<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/evening\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"71635\">What to do in the evenings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/shows-and-musicals\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"84036\">Shows &amp; musicals<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">English on stage &amp; screen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Seated entertainment tends to get dominated by the classical concerts in Vienna, but English-language movies and plays also make up many of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/evening\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"71635\">evening entertainments<\/a> available in the city. (Alongside dinner and yet another slice of Sachertorte.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cinemas\">Cinemas<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/burgkino.jpg\" alt=\"The Burg cinema\" class=\"wp-image-42341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/burgkino.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/burgkino-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Burg Kino is a prominent English-language cinema and known for regular showings of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/songsfilms\/third-man-locations\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"31222\">The Third Man<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you&#8217;d expect given Vienna&#8217;s size, film fans can choose from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/theaters\/english-cinemas-vienna\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"633\">numerous movie theatres<\/a>: from giant multiplexes showing Hollywood blockbusters to small art cinemas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Around ten of these might be described as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/theaters\/english-cinemas-vienna\/\">international or English-language cinemas<\/a>,&nbsp;regularly showing films in the original English (some only ever show English-language films).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The availability of movies in English benefits more than just the international community and tourists; young Viennese in particularly use these films to expand their language skills or to simply enjoy performances in the actors&#8217; own voices (rather than dubbed into German).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/haydncinema.jpg\" alt=\"The Haydn English cinema\" class=\"wp-image-42342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/haydncinema.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/haydncinema-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Haydn Kino also has many special showings: singalongs, classics, theatre, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check listings and look for the abbreviation &#8220;OV&#8221; next to a film made in English. This means the movie will be shown in its original language.  The abbreviation OmU means the same but with the addition of subtitles (probably in German).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some films not shot in English may have English subtitles: look for the abbreviation OmeU on listings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna also hosts various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/film-festivals\/\">film festivals<\/a> throughout the year, including the prestigious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/viennale-film-festival\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17745\">Viennale<\/a>. Many of these festivals feature English-language movies, documentaries, shorts, etc. or have subtitles in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"theatres\">Theatres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With all the fuss about Vienna&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/classical-concert\/\">classical music<\/a>, a longstanding reputation as a haven for theatergoers often slips past unnoticed. The problem for the visitor to Vienna, of course, is that nearly all theater productions are in German.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exceptions exist, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The English Theatre<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/englishtheatre.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to Vienna's English Theatre\" class=\"wp-image-59661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/englishtheatre.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/englishtheatre-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The entrance; press photo \u00a9 Vienna&#8217;s English Theatre)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 1963, Vienna&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/www.englishtheatre.at\/\">English Theatre<\/a> has the distinction of being the oldest of its kind in mainland Europe. Productions are in English, but French and Italian performances have featured in the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I saw <em>Pride &amp; Prejudice* (*sort of )<\/em> there back in 2024, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the world&#8217;s greatest acting talents appeared at the location, including Oscar-winners Judi Dench and Anthony Quinn, as well as the likes of Larry Hagman and Jean-Paul Belmondo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Open House Theatre<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/openhousetheater2.jpg\" alt=\"Window advertisement for A Christmas Carol\" class=\"wp-image-66407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/openhousetheater2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/openhousetheater2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Just one of the highlights offered each year by the touring theatre company)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reflecting the cultural heritage of the city, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/theaters\/open-house-theatre\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"66138\">Open House Theatre<\/a> is an association that puts on theatrical and other productions in different venues but also acts as a platform and support for creative collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Performances have a strong international flavour and are usually in English. The remit varies from contemporary to classic, though one tradition is the popular annual production of <em>A Christmas Carol<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Burgtheater<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/burgtheaterdistance.jpg\" alt=\"The Burgtheater from the Rathausplatz\" class=\"wp-image-45198\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/burgtheaterdistance.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/burgtheaterdistance-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Burgtheater viewed from the Rathausplatz)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most famous of the German-language theatres is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/theaters\/burgtheater\/\">Burgtheater<\/a>, opposite city hall, which has a long and illustrious history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though the actors only speak in German (as befits what is essentially the national theatre), the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burgtheater.at\/surtitling-app\">Burgtheater Prompt app<\/a> delivers English surtitles to your smartphone for selected performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incidentally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/gustav-klimt\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2264\">Gustav Klimt<\/a> painted some of the ceiling frescoes in the magnificent entrance halls of the Burg (as it&#8217;s known here). To see them, take one of the theatre&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/burgtheater-tour\/\">tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And more?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, as mentioned earlier, find a few more evening activity suggestions <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/evening\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"71635\">right here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since German is the national language in Austria, you might think stage or screen entertainment could prove a little tricky&nbsp;for English speakers. Not so. English on stage &amp; screen Seated entertainment tends to get dominated by the classical concerts in Vienna, but English-language movies and plays also make up many of the evening entertainments available [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":59660,"parent":1656,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-1664","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1664","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1664"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1664\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84058,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1664\/revisions\/84058"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1656"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}