Royal Opera House

The recently redeveloped Royal Opera House is the home of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. The first incarnation of the building was built in 1732 and staged all manner of performances- not simply opera. The building was destroyed by fire in 1808. The building was fully rebuilt but sadly fire once again ravaged the site in 1856. The current incarnation was designed by EM Barrie and completed in 1858- the portico features a frieze depicting both tragedy and comedy- by John Flaxman.
Celebrated conductor Gustav Mahler conducted the first British performance of Wagner’s ‘Ring’ at the Royal Opera House in 1892. During the 1990’s the Royal Opera House underwent a massive renovation. £214 million was spent on refurbishing and extending the venue. The new building links Covent Garden Piazza with Bow Street and boasts a magnificent floral façade. The building is now open to the public during the day- except when there are daytime recitals in progress. The building houses bars and restaurants and often stages free performances.
Ninety minute tours of the building take place three times a day. The tour illustrates the history of the building and the impact of the new developments on the day to day running of the Royal Opera House.

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Listing Details

Address: Covent Garden, London,WC2E 9DD,United Kingdom
Phone: 020 7304 4000
Website: www.royalopera.org
Email: onlinebooking@roh.org.uk
Get there by bus: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 68, 76, 77a, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188, 501 (southbound only), 505, 521, X68 all go to the Aldwych, which is close to the Theatre.
Get there by tube/train: Covent Garden
Wheelchair access: Yes
Additional information: There are up to 19 spaces for wheelchair users in the main auditorium, which can be made available at every performance. They are in the Stalls Circle, Grand Tier, Balcony and Upper Amphitheatre level. At least one wheelchair space and companion seat will be made available for sale from 10am on the day of the performance.

There are four spaces for wheelchair users in the Linbury Studio Theatre, in the Upper Gallery (centre). There is also access for two wheelchair users in the Clore Studio Upstairs.

When booking wheelchair spaces please let the Box Office know if you have any particular requirements. Our Box Office and Front of House staff can also advise you of the distances to be travelled between the main foyer, auditorium, bar facilities and unisex wheelchair-accessible toilets.

Access from the Covent Garden Piazza and Bow Street is through revolving doors which are equipped with a slow push button.

The Box Office, Royal Opera House Shop, Information Desk and Cloakroom are situated at the entrance level below the Paul Hamlyn Hall. Counter heights at the Box Office, in the bars and at some public telephone points are designed to be accessible for wheelchair users.