After six months of closure, the Royal Opera House is thrilled to be opening its doors to the public as part of Open House London weekend, giving visitors a taste of one of the world’s most famous theatres for free.
In a specially-curated, socially-distanced programme called ‘Take a Bow’, visitors will be granted access to the Royal Opera House’s two world-class stages, with a chance to glimpse the velvet, gilt and glamour of the Main Stage, built in 1858, as well as the state-of-the-art new Linbury Theatre which opened in 2018.
Visitors will be given the opportunity to tread the boards of the Main Stage from the viewpoint of a performer and take a bow and a selfie on stage. The immersive experience will also include a film screening in the Linbury Theatre of ballet and opera highlights from past Royal Opera House productions. This short film will be a celebration of opera and ballet, showcasing some of the world-class stars who have graced the Royal Opera House stages.
The CafĂ© and Shop will be open, and there will be an opportunity to tap and donate to support the Royal Opera House during what continues to be the most challenging time in the UK theatre industry’s history.
Open House at the Royal Opera House will take place between 10am - 7pm across the weekend of 19 and 20 September, but visitors must pre-book in advance.
In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, access can only be permitted to those who have pre-booked and visitors will be required to register their details for track and trace procedures. Cleaning throughout the building will be heightened and no access will be permitted without a prior booking.
Until then, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our Covent Garden home, whether you’re a first-time visitor, or a long-standing fan.