The Semperoper in Dresden is the opera building of the Saxon National Opera Dresden. It has a long history as the Saxon court and national opera. The opera is located in the historic city center. It was first build by Gottfried Semper from 1838-1841, but it burned down in 1869. As Gottfried Semper was banned form Saxony he couldn't come back to rebuild it. However Dresden's population asked him to help and he made plans for a new building that was build with his son's guidance from 1871-1878. This building was destroyed in World War II, but people were able to rebuild it again.