Designed by the noted Munich architect Max Littmann, who won a competition to create new royal theatres, the building was constructed between 1909 and 1912 as the Königliche Hoftheater, royal theatre of the Kingdom of Württemberg with a Grosses Haus (large house) and a Kleines Haus (small house).

The house for drama theatre, Kleines Haus, was destroyed by bombing during World War II, and today, the site is occupied by a new Kleines Haus, designed by Hans Volkart, which opened in 1962.

The Opera House (Grosses Haus), is one of only a few German opera houses to survive the bombing of World War II.

Between 1982 and 1984, extensive work restored the venue to its original condition and it now seats 1,404.

Canadian dancer Reid Anderson became director of the ballet in the 1996/1997 season.