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

5 Star Rating Stepping into the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, is like stepping into history itself. This grand institution, with its opulent interiors and a legacy stretching back centuries, holds a story in every corner, an experience captured in every performance. The moment we entered, we felt the weight of artistry, passion, and tradition that has graced this stage for generations. From the grandeur of the Paul Hamlyn Hall to the breathtaking view of the auditorium, every inch of the ROH is a testament to its dedication to excellence. The red velvet seats, the golden glow of the chandeliers, and the hushed anticipation before the curtain rises—all create a sense of magic that no recording or cinema screening could ever replicate. The acoustics are impeccable, ensuring that every note resonates through the soul, while the staging and production values are nothing short of world-class. My partner and I attended Puccini’s Turandot on March 29, 2025, a night that will remain etched in our memories. It was her favorite opera—one she had seen a million times on DVD—but seeing it live for the first time at the ROH was a revelation and for me this was my first ever opera. The sheer power of the orchestra, the soaring voices of the performers, and the sheer majesty of the set design brought the story to life in a way that only live opera can. The Royal Opera House is not just a venue—it is an experience, a sanctuary for the arts, and a temple for those who seek beauty in music and performance. Whether it’s your first opera or your hundredth, there is nothing quite like witnessing a masterpiece unfold on this legendary stage.
Vijay Sud - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Very well worth a visit and so much history behind it. The grand building is standing tall today due to huge effort and hard work of some of the amazing women in history like Lucia Westress, Louisa Pine, Lady De Grey and many more. Even if you are not fan of opera, you will fall in love with it once you have a tour of this place and know the history of it.
Rani Jayan - 2 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating Magnificent building, massive stage for elaborate lavish productions. Luxurious restaurants. I didn't give five stars because of the snooty staff and the crowds. They should accommodate for half the audience they do at the moment.
Francisco Javier Rodriguez Cabanillas - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating It's a delightful opera, and tickets are readily available for the same week. Before or during intermission, you can enjoy a snack or drink at the on-site restaurant and bar. The service is quite efficient, and numerous restaurants surround Covent Garden Market.
Sothy Uch - a month ago

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5 Star Rating A pleasant experience. Even with the full -house play enter and exit were smooth and quick. The modern and classic parts of the interior match really well. The Light of Passage by Cristal Pite was out of this world.
Gabor Pal - a month 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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