Royal Opera House

Why go

Historically, it formed part of the old Covent Garden flower market, and is still commonly known as the 'floral hall', but it was absorbed into the Royal Opera House complex during the 1990s redevelopment. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732.

What to look for

• On 14 January 1947, the Covent Garden Opera Company gave its first performance of Bizet's Carmen.
• The development added two new ballet studios, offices, a Chorus Rehearsal Room and the Opera Rehearsal room.
• The venue was constructed as part of the 90s redevelopment of the Royal Opera House.

The full story

Originally called the Theatre Royal, it served primarily as a playhouse for the first hundred years of its history. In 1734, the first ballet was presented. A year later, Handel's first season of operas began. Many of his operas and oratorios were specifically written for Covent Garden and had their premieres there. The current building is the third theatre on the site following disastrous fires in 1808 and 1856. The façade, foyer, and auditorium date from 1858, but almost every other element of the present complex dates from an extensive reconstruction in the 1990s. The main auditorium seats 2,256 people, making it the third largest in London, and consists of four tiers of boxes and balconies and the amphitheatre gallery.

Useful to know

• Confirm current admission and opening times before leaving.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.