Metropolitan Opera House
The Metropolitan Opera features about 30 performances each season
New York City's Metropolitan Opera Company has been giving performances since 1883. Known as the 'Met' they feature around 30 different operas a wide range of musical genres throughout their season which runs from the latter part of September through to May. Performances are held Monday through Saturday evenings along with a Saturday afternoon matinee.
Performances are held Monday through Saturday evenings along with a Saturday afternoon matinee. The present home of the Metropolitan Opera is the magnificent Metropolitan Opera House, located at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on Broadway. It seats about 3800 patrons with room for about another 195 standees and provides excellent acoustics. During the off season for the Met the Opera House hosts performances by the American Ballet Theatre and other touring ballets and operas.
If you don't have the opportunity to take in a performance, you can take a backstage tour or a Tour of the Lincoln Center for a fee. See Metropolitan Opera Backstage Tours for times and rates.
Nearby attractions include Central Park and Carnegie Hall
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesMetropolitan Opera House Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Address: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
Phone: (212) 362-6000
Official Website: Metropolitan Opera House
Metropolitan Opera House Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Since its invention in the late 16th century in Italy, precisely in Florence, opera (the Italian word for "work") has been an art form that tells a story through music and singing. Unlike a musical, opera singers do not use microphones to amplify their voices. The music is played by the orchestra and is completely live. Creating opera needs more than just a script and music. It needs a great set designer, costumes, and a director who puts it all together. Over the centuries, it changed a lot, transformed, and evolved, but it will always remain tied in some way to its Italian origins.
Situated within NYC’s Lincoln Center performing arts plaza, the Metropolitan Opera is the largest classical music facility in North America and is also one of the leading opera houses in the world.
Upon entering, the grandeur and elegance of the venue sweep one’s off your feet. My partner and I were fortunate to obtain tickets in the orchestra for Puccini’s Turandot this Saturday afternoon. It’s a good opera for beginners due to its iconic music, spectacular scale, and relatively accessible storyline, especially the famous aria "Nessun dorma."
The interior was interwoven with art, paintings, murals, and statues, but the lavish red carpet and spectacular chandeliers were something. The seating was comfortable, the acoustics could not be better, carrying every note with breathtaking clarity, and we loved the subtitles on the small screen in front of each seat. Throughout the theater, the staff was incredibly kind & accommodating during our visit!!
We don't often go to the opera, but this was a wonderful exception! Bravi!
Eloy Yip - 3 months ago
I attended the performance of Turandot at the Metropolitan Museum, and it was an absolutely stunning experience. From the moment the orchestra began, I was captivated by the power and beauty of the music. The singers were incredible, delivering each aria with emotion and precision that left me in awe. The setting itself added to the magic, the grandeur of the venue, the elegant atmosphere, and the impeccable acoustics made the evening truly unforgettable. Every detail, from the staging to the lighting, enhanced the drama and beauty of the opera.
Overall, a marvelous night of art and music, and an experience I will cherish. 10/10.
Nanna - 2 months ago
I went to see my first opera. I really appreciated tge screens on the back of the seat in front of you. Those subtitles came in handy. It was a great show and experience at The Met@
Lynn Archbold - a week ago
The venue is the best opera house in the US and maybe the world. We saw the 2025 production of Puccini’s Turandot. Bravo! Over 150 actors on stage with 3 stunning sets.
Run then run faster until you are in a complete sprint! Then pick up speed until you lift off the ground and glide into your 5th row orchestra level seat directly square in the middle of the row. Relax. Enjoy beauty in all 360 degrees of spherical coordinates. Breathe and enjoy this lovely idea of life.
Opera is the poetry of life!
ECo Bear - 3 months ago
We attended Carmen, the day the three men protested during the show. The singers were very professional and kept the show going, but it put everyone on edge for the remainder of the opera. The opera performance was lovely besides the modern interpretation. There were very few stage pieces and the semi-truck and Ford truck weren’t what was expected. It was our first opera, so now we know to look for an opera with more traditional costumes/props. The singers and crew handled the protest extremely well. Shoutout to the male opera singer who tackled the one protester. Multi-tasking and thinking quick on his feet. The songs were amazing and I can’t wait to come back for another performance.
Maris Kilgus - 3 weeks ago
![]()
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Local | 66th Street / Lincoln Center Station | 3 minutes |
How to get to Metropolitan Opera House by Subway
Take the 1 Local Subway Train to 66th Street / Lincoln Center Station and go south on Broadway and a slight right on Columbus Avenue to just past 64th Street. The Metropolitan Opera House is across the plaza on your right.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Metropolitan Opera House:
Photo Gallery
-
Inside the Metropolitan Opera in New York City cc licensed photo by raybdbomb -
Photo Credit: Wilson Rivera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ralph and jenny - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ajay_suresh - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ajay_suresh - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ajay_suresh - cc license via Flickr

