Biography of the Marionette-Theater at Schoenbrunn Palace It was July 1777 when Clemens Wenzel of Sachsen, Elector and Archbishop of Trier visited Vienna. He was a relative of Duke Albert of Sachsen-Teschen, Empress Maria Theresias son in law and husband of her favourit daughter Maria Christine. To honour this visit from Trier, the Marionette-Theater of Prince Esterhazy offered a spectacle which was much acclaimed by the visitors. For this reason a theater was built and the puppets and decoration were brought to Vienna. "Alceste" a parody of the original opera, written and composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck, was performed. Following this tradition the "Marionette-Theater at Schoenbrunn Palace" was founded by Christine und Werner Hierzer. After a generous renovation of the "Hofratstrakt" (court wing) by the Schoenbrunner Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. the theater was reopened in 1994 and formes now the perfect ambiance of these enchanting shows. With the help of famous directors as well as of costume and screen designers, the puppets, the costumes, the decorations and stage technics are all created at the theaters own workshops.