Lehárvilla translates to "Lehár Villa" in English. It refers to a villa associated with the composer Franz Lehár, located in Bad Ischl, Austria.

The world-famous operetta composer Franz Lehár (* April 30, 1870; † October 24, 1948) first came to Ischl in 1901. Here he also met his wife Sophie. In 1912, he purchased a villa on the Traun from the Duchess of Sabran and subsequently spent his summers in Bad Ischl. Famous personalities, artists, librettists, publishers, and many others came and went at the villa, including his friend Richard Tauber. Lehár felt at home here and remarked, ".... in Ischl, I always have the best ideas...". He remained loyal to Bad Ischl for 46 years, composing and completing masterpieces, and ultimately was buried in Bad Ischl. Franz Lehár bequeathed the house to the municipality of Bad Ischl with the stipulation that it be preserved in its original condition and made accessible to the public.

One can sense the spirit of the summer freshness of Ischl from the late 19th and early 20th centuries while strolling through the tranquil villa by the Traun. At the same time, it is perhaps the best place to gain insight into the life of Lehár and his wife Sophie. The villa is a reflection of the couple's passion for collecting and showcases a variety of art and furnishings from different styles and eras that they gathered and arranged. Notably, everything has been preserved as if Franz Lehár had just left the villa.

In 2023/24, the house underwent a comprehensive renovation in close coordination with the Federal Monuments Office, and the existing collection of art and furnishings was expertly restored. During the renovation, a conscious decision was made to avoid turning the house into a museum, installing barriers, or displaying historical objects in showcases. This still offers a unique opportunity today to immerse oneself in the living and working world of Franz Lehár, just as he inhabited it during the summer months until the 1940s.

Originally built in the 1840s as a single-story Biedermeier villa with a hipped roof, the house was expanded and given a representative neoclassical façade when it came into the possession of the Duke of Sabran-Pontevès.

After the extensive restoration, this special monument will reopen its doors to interested visitors in May 2024.

Lehár Villa – Museum of the City of Bad Ischl
Lehárkai 8, 4820 Bad Ischl
Dr. Herta Neiß
leharvilla@stadtmuseum.at
www.stadtmuseum.at
Tel.: +43 6132 26992