Gothenburg Opera House

Overview

GöteborgsOperan is a striking waterfront opera house on the north bank of the Göta älv, recognisable by its ship-inspired silhouette of glass and red granite. Since opening in 1994, it has been one of Scandinavia's premier venues for opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concerts.

Highlights

• Architecture: Designed by Jan Izikowitz, the building evokes a ship's hull and is clad in red Bohus granite and massive glass walls framing harbour views.
• Auditorium: A 1,300-seat main hall with world-class acoustics and a 16-metre wide stage.
• Foyer Views: The glass-fronted foyer offers panoramic harbour views that are worth seeing even without attending a performance.

History

Gothenburg lobbied for a dedicated opera house for decades before construction began in 1990. The building opened on 1 October 1994 to widespread acclaim for both its architecture and acoustics. It hosts around 300 performances annually across three stages.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Attend a matinée or lunchtime concert for a budget-friendly way to experience the venue and acoustics.
• Tip 2: Guided architectural tours of the building run on certain days — check the website.
• Duration: Performances last 2–3 hours; a foyer visit takes 15–20 minutes.