The Vienna Opera Ball stands as one of the most distinguished cultural events in the world, embodying Viennese tradition, artistic excellence, and international prestige. On 12 February 2026, the Vienna State Opera will once again open its doors for the 68th Vienna Opera Ball, an evening where heritage and contemporary creativity converge in extraordinary fashion. For the second consecutive year, Hahnemühle is proud to support this iconic event as the official paper sponsor of the Opernballplakat. As a manufacturer with more than four centuries of papermaking expertise, Hahnemühle remains dedicated to preserving artistic craftsmanship while advancing sustainable innovation, values that resonate deeply with the spirit of the Vienna Opera Ball.
Arnulf Rainer and the 2026 Opera Ball Poster
This year’s Opera Ball poster features a work by Arnulf Rainer, one of Austria’s most influential and internationally acclaimed contemporary artists. Renowned for his expressive overpaintings and his profound exploration of gesture, emotion, and transformation, Rainer has shaped post-war European art with a visual language that is both powerful and uncompromising.
Rainer’s artistic practice is defined by intensity and depth. His works often engage in dialogue with existing images, reinterpreting them through layered interventions that create tension between concealment and revelation. The selected motif for the 68th Opera Ball poster captures this dynamic interplay, offering a striking visual statement that mirrors the Opera Ball itself, a celebration of tradition continually reimagined through a contemporary lens.
The poster artwork underscores the Vienna Opera Ball’s role not only as a guardian of classical culture but also as a platform for artistic evolution and bold expression.
Printed on Hahnemühle Hybrid Bamboo
As in the previous year, the 68th Opera Ball poster has been printed on Hahnemühle Hybrid Bamboo. Composed of 90% bamboo fibres and 10% cotton rag, this premium paper combines environmental responsibility with exceptional print performance.
Hybrid Bamboo is produced using rapidly renewable raw materials and resource-efficient processes, reflecting Hahnemühle’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. Its distinctive, slightly textured surface enhances tonal depth and colour intensity, allowing the nuances of Arnulf Rainer’s expressive composition to unfold with remarkable clarity and tactile presence.
The paper’s versatility makes it ideally suited to offset and high-end digital printing, ensuring precise reproduction while preserving the artwork’s emotional impact.
Gerin Druck once again executed the printing in Wolkersdorf, an Austrian printing specialist recognised for technical precision and sustainable production standards. As an Austrian Ecolabel holder, Gerin Druck exemplifies environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Art, Elegance and Responsibility
Beyond its splendour and ceremonial tradition, the Vienna Opera Ball continues to champion the arts and social responsibility. As in previous years, the original poster artwork will be auctioned for charitable purposes, reinforcing the event’s enduring commitment to cultural and societal contribution.
Hahnemühle is honoured to once again provide the paper foundation for this distinguished cultural artefact. By combining sustainable materials with uncompromising quality, we are proud to support an artwork that reflects both Austria’s artistic legacy and its contemporary creative strength.
The 68th Vienna Opera Ball promises to be an unforgettable evening, where elegance, tradition, and artistic vision meet on a global stage.
