Royal Opera House

Overview

The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is one of the world's great performing arts venues, home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The current building, the third on the site, opened in 1858.

Highlights

• Guided tours: Backstage tours (60 min) reveal the auditorium, backstage machinery, the Royal Ballet studios, and the costume workshop.
• Architecture: The Paul Hamlyn Hall — a spectacular Victorian iron-and-glass conservatory — is free to enter and houses a bar and restaurant.
• Programming: World premieres, star performers, and innovative productions across opera, ballet, and contemporary dance.

History

The first Theatre Royal on the site opened in 1732. After two fires (1808, 1856), the current E.M. Barry-designed building opened in 1858. A major renovation in the 1990s by Dixon Jones added the Linbury Theatre and the Floral Hall.

Visitor Tips

• Day tickets: A limited number of £10–£25 day tickets go on sale at 10 am on performance days.
• Free lunchtime concerts: Free recitals are held regularly in the Paul Hamlyn Hall.
• Duration: 1 hour (tour) or 2–3 hours (performance).