Royal Opera House

Rich in history, the Royal Opera House is a major venue for performing arts in London

Bow Street entrance to the Royal Opera House
Bow Street entrance to the Royal Opera House cc licensed photo by markhillary

The Royal Opera House, a prominent venue for opera and performing arts in London is located in the district of Covent Garden the building is often referred to by the same name.

The theatre is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and to the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

The original building called the Theatre Royal was built in 1732 and functioned primarily as a playhouse for it's first 100 years. The theatre was destroyed by a fire in 1808 and rebuilt by 1809. It was later destroyed in yet another fire in 1856 and replaced by a new building in 1858, which still forms much of the present building. In 1892 the theatre was named the Royal Opera House or ROH for short. It served as a dance hall during the Second World War. From 1996 through 2000 major reconstruction and enhancement took place which included the old Covent Garden Market creating an extensive new gathering place.

The Royal Opera House has collections of several hundred thousand items that highlight the history of the ROH. You can visit exhibitions of some of these collections on Monday to Friday from 10am to 3:30pm.

For more information about the Royal Opera House as well as performances and schedules visit their official site at the link below.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Address: Bow St, London WC2E 9DD, UK

Phone: 020 7304 4000

Official Website: Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating Most amazing architecture everywhere. Love the posters everywhere and costumes too. Great shop. The ballet so beautiful but could really hear the banging under shoes on the floor boards over the music. Costumes most amazing and gave full additions to movement. Saw giselle and the smoke , costumes, ballet of the Willis was incredible and stirring. Set fabulous too. I just wish I had been closer and lower to see and appreciate more the dance and movement but however I could still appreciate the complexity of steps and work gone into the performance and at times was blown away from this and the strength of the dancers and their ability.
cathy East - 4 months ago

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4 Star Rating Right in Covent Garden, home for Royal Ballet and Opera đź©° Inside, stunning theater architecture with all velvety red or gold, but they also have a brilliant rooftop terrace where you can grab a drink and look out over the city. Perfect place if you want to dress up a bit and experience some world-class music or dance in a really historic setting. My only disappointments were the tiny seats and confusing setting to find your spot if you are anywhere above the 2nd floor.
Olga Zograf - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating There is nothing quite like the grandeur of the Royal Ballet and Opera in London’s Covent Garden. As one of the world's leading performing arts venues, the architecture alone is enough to take your breath away. From the historic facade to the stunning modern glass interior of the Paul Hamlyn Hall, every corner of this building speaks of art and history. On my visit, I was captivated by the atmosphere. Even if you aren't seeing a show, the building itself is a masterpiece to explore. The views from the terrace are wonderful, and the blend of classic Victorian architecture with contemporary design is truly unique. It’s a place where tradition meets world-class performance. Travel Tips for your visit: • Terrace Views: Make sure to visit the upper terrace for a fantastic view over Covent Garden market. It’s a great spot for photos! • Book in Advance: If you plan on catching a performance, seats fill up fast, so book weeks or even months ahead. • Explore Covent Garden: After your visit, take some time to walk around Covent Garden for street performances and great dining options. A visit to the Royal Ballet and Opera is a must for anyone looking to experience the true cultural heart of London. A perfect way to end my journey through the city! 🎭🎻
Md Abdullah Al Adnan - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating What a wonderful experience! We booked the “Behind the Scenes Tour” at the Royal Ballet and Opera close to Covent Garden. Linda, our guide, was very enthusiastic. As an actress, she is a member of staff and very knowledgeable about the theatre. We so beautifully crafted costumes backstage and gave the chance to see behind the scenes, truly. The Bridge of Aspiration is a must-see but is usually not accessible to the public. The guided tour is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the exciting theatre. 🎭 Understandably, we were not permitted to take any photographs of the stage and backstage due to copyright restrictions.
Marc Leonard - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating I booked the tickets back in January or February. For ÂŁ25.00 I got to see 3, wonderful modern ballets, one of which was a premier! The seats are very high up, the sight lines are excellent. You are quite some distance from the stage, but you could take binoculars ( I forgot). The dance programme was wonderful, all the staff I came into contact with were charming & very helpful. All in all a fantastic evening out.
Tessa Mitchell - 3 months ago

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Picadilly LineCovent Garden2 Minutes

How to get to Royal Opera House by Tube

From Covent Garden Tube Station exit onto Long Acre and go right(east), then go right onto Bow Street. The Royal Opera House is just ahead on the right.

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