A new main curtain for the Vienna State Opera

As the main curtain in the Vienna State Opera was getting on in years, a new one was needed. With a width of 19.2 meters and a height of 13 meters, the new curtain is the largest main curtain ever produced by Gerriets in Vienna and presented us with great challenges in terms of production technology and logistics. The new curtain also surpasses the main curtains of the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.

The new main curtain for the Vienna State Opera had to be exactly the same color as its predecessor. It was therefore decided to use a special dyeing process in which the original color tones were recreated in the laboratory. First, small samples were made and compared with the original on stage under different lighting conditions to ensure that the colors matched. This process was repeated until the client gave the go-ahead. The entire velvet batch was then dyed to the color specified in the laboratory.

Project

Main curtain made from CLIVIA 600
Processing of 550 linear meters of stage velvet, 250 linear meters of satin and 100 meters of ropes and binding tapes
Special dyeing in vintage red, dimensions: 19.2 m wide and 13 m high
Total weight: 525 kg
Three different opening variants possible: Greek, German opening and the Wagner hoist