The building is flanked by fountains by Hans Glasser. Even today, the opera house is the center of social activity in Vienna. The directorship of the opera is considered one of the most important positions in Austria. Even more so than the president of the nation. It is for that reason that there is always lots of controversy and intrigue surrounding the post.
Performances are always formal affairs, and well attended.
Once a year the stage is extended to cover the first-tier seats and the Opera Ball is held. This is when the young socialites of the city put on the finest white dresses in a coming-out gala that they'll remember for the rest of their lives. Even construction of the building took its emotional toll. An urban legend states that the opera was supposed to be much higher than it currently is, but rushed planning of the Ringstra e left it at the same height as its neighboring buildings. One architect is said to have killed himself because he let the Emperor down.