Vienna remembers Mr. Opera Ball Richard Lugner: Honors on the first anniversary of his death

Vienna remembers Mr. Opera Ball Richard Lugner: Honors on the first anniversary of his death

One year after the death of Richard Lugner, better known as "Mr. Opera Ball", Vienna will remember him with a special honor. The charismatic building contractor and entertainer died on August 12, 2024 in his Döblinger villa at the age of 91 and leaves behind a lasting legacy. On the first anniversary of his death, his wax figure will be in the famous Lugner City in one of the largest and best-known shopping centers in Austria, which he founded himself.

Richard Lugner was born on October 11, 1932 in Vienna. He founded the “Lugner Bau- und Immobiliengesellschaft” in the 1960s after completing his training as a master builder. In addition to the construction of numerous striking buildings, such as the mosque at Bruckreifen and the renovation of the city temple, he achieved great fame especially through the opening of Lugner City in 1990. He previously purchased a property on the Vienna Belt for one million euros and made a good deal that is still paying off today.

A life full of highlights

But it wasn't just his building projects that made him a popular Viennese original. Lugner was also an integral part of the Vienna Opera Ball, where he appeared with international star guests and always made headlines. His colorful private life, with a total of six marriages and four children, as well as his appearances in reality shows were also part of his charisma. As a “society lion,” he was omnipresent in Viennese society and made a significant contribution to the city’s entertainment.

However, the appreciation of his life extends beyond 2025. Hundreds of fans and companions gathered at his requiem in St. Stephen's Cathedral and the funeral mass in the Kaasgrabenkirche to pay their last respects. Prominent personalities, including Mayor Michael Ludwig and former Chancellor Nehammer, spoke of Lugner as an important builder and an “Austrian original”. The solidarity of the Viennese population during this difficult time was obvious.

Future prospects for Lugner

To preserve Richard Lugner's memory, local politicians are planning to name a square or path after him - ideally near his former home in Grinzing. A corresponding application is to be submitted to the responsible authority in September. Lugner, who was not only an architect but also a politician and entertainer, left a lasting impression through his work and projects that could continue to shape events in Vienna in the future.

His life's work will continue to be remembered, not only through the city honors, but also through the experiences and memories he left behind. His wax figure will only be part of the legacy that “Mr. Opera Ball” leaves behind.

As Richard Lugner himself once said: “You should enjoy life.” And his memory will continue to do so in Vienna.