Royal Opera House
Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD
Not yet reviewed
| Address: | Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD |
| Location Map: | See a map |
| Nearest Station: | Covent Garden |
| About 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. |
| Official Link: | www.royalopera.org |
