The opera house was built between 1845 and 1852 based on a plan drawn by Laves. Originally it served as the royal theater, as the king considered the Leineschloß theater too small. The new opera house is a classical style building with two large wings and a balcony with statues of famous poets and composers. The opera house was badly damaged in the Second World War and rebuilt in 1948. In 1985 the acoustics were improved and between 1996 and 1998 the stage equipment was restored.