Situated opposite the Hofburg, the neo-classical Tiroler Landestheater was built in 1629. The architect, Christoph Gumpp, was inspired by the Italian theatres in Firenze and Parma. Originally called the ‘Comedihaus’ it was renamed to ‘Landestheater Innsbruck’ at the end of the Second World War. The newly named theatre and was inaugurated by the director Mr. Pless with Johann Strauss’ stage play ‘Wiener Blut’, performed for the American soldiers residing in the city. The theatre boasts a broad programme of events including theatre, musicals, operettas and even productions aimed at encouraging children to develop an interest in the performing arts.