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The Metropolitan Opera House is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. The current space opened its doors in 1966, but the original venue was inaugurated in 1883. The original was sadly demolished in 1967, despite efforts from preservationists to prevent its loss. The World Apparel Center was built in its stead, while the opulent and lavish new Opera House opened at the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts in 1966. It is largely regarded as having some of the best acoustics in the game, allowing for the quietest of sounds to travel to the back of the auditorium.
The Met has been the home to prominent productions from the Metropolitan Opera company since the 1800s. These include Carmen, Madama Butterfly, Turandot, and Nabucco, all still playing at the Metropolitan Opera House.
1622 Seats
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible Toilets
Guide Dogs
Assistive Listening System
Washrooms
Air Conditioning
Cloakroom
Bar
Level Access
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Hearing Assistance
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Upcoming Shows
About Metropolitan Opera House
- The largest repertory opera in the world, the Metropolitan Opera House has a capacity of over 4,000. It houses approximately 3,800 seats and over 200 standing positions split across six levels: Orchestra and Standing, Panterre, Grand Tier, Dress Circle, Balcony, and Family Circle.
- The Orchestra is the largest section in the house and includes the three Standing rows at the rear. All other sections are elevated.
- Boxes are located at either side of the Panterre, Grand Tier, Dress Circle, Balcony, and Family Circle levels.
- The center seats toward the front of the Orchestra, Grand Tier, and Dress Circle offer some of the best views in the house. The seats at the sides of the Orchestra and the rear of the Dress Circle, Balcony, and Family Circle and the Boxes offer less than favorable views, owing to restrictions in sight lines.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the Orchestra and Dress Circle sections. Transfer seats are available along the Orchestra aisles.
- Water fountains are present on the Parterre, Grand Tier, and Dress Circle levels.
- Public telephones are available on all levels except Parterre.
Know before you go
- Address: 302 W 45th St, New York City, New York, NY 10036
- Bus: The M5, M7, M10, M11, M20, M66, M104, and BxM2 lines all pass by the Metropolitan House Opera. The nearest bust stops to the opera house are Amsterdam Avenue and West 62 Street, which services M11, and West 65 Street and Broadway, which services M66.
- Subway: The nearest station to the opera house is the 66th Street (Lincoln Center) Station. It services the No. 1 train and is a 2-minute walk away.
- Car: Patrons can drive or take a taxi to reach the Met. The opera house can be accessed via entrances on West 62nd Street and West 65th Street.
- Parking: Patrons may park at the 24-hour Lincoln Center parking garage, accessible via four entrances: West 65th Street and West 62nd Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues), Amsterdam Avenue and West 63rd Street, and Amsterdam Avenue and West 64th Street. The Amsterdam Avenue and West 64th Street entry is specifically for reserved and ADA-accessible spots. While there is plenty of space available, it is advisable to book in advance anyway to prevent delays later.
- Recommended mode of transport: We recommend using the Subway for an easy, cost-efficient, and delay-free way to reach the Metropolitan Opera House.
Frequently asked questions about Metropolitan Opera House
How old is the Metropolitan Opera House in New York?
The new Metropolitan Opera House is 58 years old.
When was the Metropolitan Opera House built?
The old Met opened in 1883 and was demolished by 1967. The new Metropolitan Opera House opened at the Lincoln Center in 1966.
Are the old and new Metropolitan Opera Houses located in the same spot?
The original Met stood at Broadway and 39th Street. The new Met is located in the Lincoln Center Plaza.
What is the address of the Metropolitan Opera House?
30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States.
How do I reach the Metropolitan Opera House?
The opera house is accessible via car or taxi, bus, and the subway. Parking is located within walking distance.
Who owns the Metropolitan Opera House?
The opera house is owned by the Metropolitan Opera Association and operated by the Metropolitan Opera company.
How many seats are in the Metropolitan Opera House?
The opera house has a capacity of over 4,000 split across six levels, including a standing section and multiple elevated levels and boxes.
Is the Metropolitan Opera House accessible to people with special needs?
Yes, the opera house offers designated and accessible seating for varying levels of mobility as well as assistive devices and tools for vision and hearing needs. It also has accessible restrooms on the Parterre, Grand Tier, and Dress Circle levels.
What are the best productions the Metropolitan Opera House has staged?
The opera house has offered a home to some prominent productions, both at its old and new venues. These include La bohème, Aida, War and Peace, Der Ring des Nibelungen, and Nabucco. The shows Carmen, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot are currently playing at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Is there a dress code for the Metropolitan Opera House?
There is no dress code for this venue, but patrons are encouraged to dress for the occasion. The Met often features its best-dressed patrons on a dedicated Instagram page and a lot of its patrons make full use of the opportunity to don their finest opera attire.
How much do Metropolitan Opera House tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary based on the show, seating, season, and more. Tickets for Madama Butterfly and Turandot starts as low as $78 while others like Carmen start a bit higher at $86.
What is the best place to sit at the Metropolitan Opera House?
The best seats in the house are located in the center Orchestra and offer the best views at premium rates. For the best acoustic experience, however, you'd be better off opting for seats higher up in the opera house. The front and center seats of the Parterre, Grand Tier, and Dress Circle sections offer similarly good views at slightly lower rates. The sections just behind these that wrap around them offer decent views at affordable rates. The rear seats in the Dress Circle, Balcony, and Family Circle as well as seats in Boxes tend to be less favorable due to sight line restrictions.
Are there any dining options available near Metropolitan Opera House?
The Met is located in one of the best spots in the city with stunning views and upscale restaurants. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, try Marea, Jean-Georges, or Per Se. For something a little more traditional, try Tavern On The Green. If you’d like some pizazz in your dining experience, Rose Mexicano might be just what you need.
What are some attractions or things to do near the Metropolitan Opera House?
The opera house's location allows you to access the district's most prominent landmarks with ease. These include Central Park and the Hudson River. The area is also home to multiple museums and memorials, including the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Arts and Design, and the Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial. Additionally, the opera house is also located in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, a tresure trove of sights for any theater aficionado.
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