Salzburg Marionette Theatre, Marionette theatre in Altstadt, Salzburg, Austria
The Salzburg Marionette Theatre is a puppet theatre in the Altstadt of Salzburg, staging full classical operas with wooden marionettes controlled by strings. The puppeteers work from elevated platforms above and behind the stage, guiding each figure through a system of thin wires attached to its limbs and head.
The theatre was founded in 1913 by Anton Aicher, and the Aicher family continued to run it across generations. Over the 20th century, it toured widely across Europe and America, building a reputation beyond Salzburg.
The theatre stages operas, including works by Mozart, with marionettes dressed in hand-sewn costumes that closely mirror real opera productions. This mix of music and puppetry draws audiences who come specifically for this type of performance, rarely found elsewhere.
The theatre sits in the Altstadt, within walking distance of the main squares and the old town centre. Seating is fixed and the hall is small enough that there are no bad seats, though arriving a few minutes early is a good idea.
Some of the wooden figures in the collection have been in use for decades and repaired many times over the years. A single figure can take on different roles across productions simply by changing its costume and wig, without replacing the body.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
