Johann Strauss monument in the Stadtpark © Vienna Tourism / Gregor Hofbauer
THE PLACE TO CELEBRATE
KING OF WALTZ JOHANN STRAUSS IN HIS JUBILEE YEAR
Vienna celebrates the 200th birthday of waltz king Johann Strauss (son) in 2025. This very special musician, composer and orchestra master will be commemorated with a diverse program of festivities that will transform the city into a stage for music, dance and culture.
Experience an impressive anniversary year and celebrate one of the city’s greatest artists. Hardly any other musician has shaped the city’s attitude to life as much as Johann Strauss with his unforgettable melodies. His world-famous waltzes and operettas enjoy enduring popularity to this day.
“… he always comes up with something.”
Johann Strauss (25.10.1825 – 3 June 1899) was already a highly esteemed musician during his lifetime and was revered by his fellow musicians. Johannes Brahms is said to have said of him: “He is the only one I envy – he is dripping with music, he always comes up with something.”
Strauß was born into a musical family. His father, Johann Strauss (Vater), was himself a famous composer and orchestra conductor. Despite his father’s opposition, Johann Strauss followed his love of music and founded his own orchestra in 1844, which quickly gained popularity.
After the death of his father in 1849, he took over his father’s orchestra and soon became the leading composer and conductor of his time. He delighted not only the Viennese public, but also European royalty and gave concerts throughout Europe and North America.
His name is inextricably linked with waltz music and his works have conquered the world. No other composer has made the Viennese waltz so popular and elevated it to a worldwide symbol of elegance, joie de vivre and the culture of Vienna.
Johann Strauss (son) composed over 500 works, including waltzes, polkas, marches and operettas. His most famous waltzes include compositions such as “An der schönen blauen Donau” (1867), “Kaiserwalzer” (1889) and “Wiener Blut” (1873). But Johann Strauss also made a name for himself with polkas such as “Unter Donner und Blitz” (1868) and the “Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka” (1858) as well as operettas such as “Die Fledermaus” (1874) and “Der Zigeunerbaron” (1885).
His works are still appreciated and enjoyed today. The works of Johann Strauss are an indispensable part of the repertoire, especially during the Viennese ball season. With the annual New Year’s Concert in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein and the Opera Ball in the Vienna State Opera, the melodies of Johann Strauss are carried all over the world.
Johann Strauss apartment © Vienna Tourist Board / Paul Bauer
Johann Strauss apartment © Vienna Tourist Board / Paul Bauer
The anniversary year
From 1 January to 31 December 2025, you can expect a varied program with 65 productions from 10 genres on around 250 performance days. Whether classical concerts, operetta performances, dance events or contemporary performances – there is something for every taste.
Under the motto Vienna in Strauss and Braus 2025 the events will take place at 69 different locations in all 23 districts of Vienna, both indoors and outdoors.
You should not miss this
House of Strauss, Casino Zögernitz © Vienna Tourism / Gregor Hofbauer
Relaxed and comfortable in Vienna
You will find the perfect base for your stay in Vienna in our modern 4-star hotels. The Hotel IMLAUER Vienna and the Hotel Nestroy Vienna offer you all the amenities for a comfortable stay with first-class connections to the subway and streetcars. Our two hotels are also just a five-minute walk from the “Johann Strauss Apartment”.
