Venice: Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice is the most important opera house and one of the most prestigious concert venues in Venice, with a history dating back to 1789. The original architect was the  neo-classical Giannantonio Selva.  The building was commissioned by the Nobile Societa, a group of weathy nobles and citizens who had leased the theatre of San Benedetto but had to surrender the lease of this theatre in 1787. They sought permission to increase the number of permitted theatres from the existing 7 to 8 and the Senate granted this request in order to 'add to the beauty and dignity of the Dominion [Venice]'.  Selva won the competition for the design of the new theatre in1789 and it opened on 16 May 1792.

Since its inauguration in 1792 it has burnt down twice, most recently during rennovation work, due to arson, in 1996, but has now been restored to its former glory. It remains the pre-eminent opera house in Venice where you will see and hear internationally important artists.

You can purchase tickets to concerts and operas at La Fenice through various websites, most notably  Select Italy  and Viagogo.

You can also tour La Fenice Theatre several ways; all are available in Italian, English, German, French and Spanish:

Audio Tour

Explore among the plasters and the golds of the prestigious halls, through the grounds and discover the secrets of the Theatre, accompanied by an audio guide available at the box office.  The audioguides run for 45 minutes.

Guided Tours for Groups

An expert escort will explain all the history and the wonders about the Theatre for groups of a minimum of 10.

Guided Tours with Cocktails

An exceptional experience the tour will take you to the very heart of the Theatre, its origins, history and rebuilding. The tour includes an expert escort of the Theatre and an exclusive final Cocktail served in the elegant Apollinee Halls. The tours can also be personalized for special preferences or additional sevices. Available for groups of minimum 10 people.

Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187870-d207094/Venice:Italy:Teatro.La.Fenice.html