One of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, the Metropolitan Opera House is an opera house located on Broadway at Lincoln Square. The performance venue opened in 1966, taking the place of the original 1883 Metropolitan Opera House. The opulent and dazzlingly beautiful opera house has a seating capacity of 3800, making it the largest repertory opera house in the world!
Apart from operas, the Metropolitan Opera House New York has also hosted concerts by global artists including Paul McCartney, Barbara Streisand, The Who, and countless others. If you're planning to watch one or more, our Metropolitan Opera House New York seating chart guide has all the answers you would need for a memorable experience.
Our Metropolitan Opera House guide is here to help you find the best seats.
Venue Details
Address: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States
Opened: 1966
Seating Capacity: 3,800
Orchestra: 1,583
Parterre: 220
Grand Tier: 442
Dress Circle: 454
Balcony: 442
Family Circle: 666
Seating Chart
Check out the Metropolitan Opera House Seating Chart here.
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About the NYC Metropolitan Opera House
During opera season, almost 800,000 people make their way to the magnificent Metropolitan Opera House New York for more than 200 different performances. Featuring state-of-the-art hydraulic elevators, rigging systems, and motorized stages, the Metropolitan Opera House is amongst the most technologically advanced stages in the world. The staging possible because of this advanced technology has allowed for production of complex operas including Prokofiev's War and Peace, Franko Zeffirelli's La boheme and the 16-hour epic Der Ring des Nibelungen. The opera house has also hosted renowned operas including Phillip Glass's The Voyage, John Corigiliano's The Ghosts of Versailles, and Nico Muhly's Two Boys.
The Metropolitan Opera House is also home to the Metropolitan Opera Company and the American Ballet Theatre in the summer months.
Practical Information
Section Accessibility
Entry: The box office is accessible from the plaza level while the auditorium is wheelchair accessible from the concourse level, through a drop-off location. You can get to the auditorium from the concourse by entering the hall through glass doors to access the elevator. The pick-up and drop-off location is Columbus Avenue at West 64th Street.
Seating: Wheelchair-accessible seating is only available in the orchestra and dress circle sections. Wheelchair users who can transfer to a regular seat can book an orchestra aisle seat. To remember to mention your specific accessibility requirements while booking tickets to make sure due arrangements are made in advance. Wheelchairs are available on loan for patrons to go to and from their seats on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Available Facilities
Restroom: Accessible women's restrooms are available on the concourse level, parterre, grand tier, and dress circle sections. For men, accessible restrooms are available on parterre, grand tier, and dress circle sections.
Telephone: Telephone is available at the concourse level with TTY and volume control.
Water Fountain: Available on parterre, grand tier, and dress circle sections.
Assisted Listening Device: Wireless headsets are available at the Metropolitan Opera House. Enquire with the attendant at the coat check to rent an assisted listening device.
Bar: Food and drinks are available at the Grand Tier Restaurant which opens two hours prior to curtain. Reservations are required for this restaurant. Bars serving sandwiches, beverages, pastries, cocktains, coffee, and snacks are available as follows:
• Balcony Bar, the Revlon Bar at the Grand Tier
• Parterre Champagne Bar
• Orchestra Bar
• Founder's Hall Coffee Bar
Handy Tips
- If it's your first time attending an opera, it's advisable to do a little homework before heading to the show. Watch a couple of video clips to see what's in store for you and get excited for the performance.
- While there's no established dress code at the MET Opera, why not take the opportunity to dress up in your fanciest clothes, especially if you're attending the opera at night. There's a dedicated Instagram account "Last Night at the Met" which you can refer to for fashion inspiration.
- Operas in the Metropolitan Opera House are in different languages but every spot in the house features a small, seat-back screen featuring subtitles in different languages to help you better understand what's going on in the stage. Some of language subtitles available include Russian, German, Italian, Czech, French, and more!
- Operas are generally around three hours long and feature at least one intermission. Use this time to explore the beautiful opera house and grab a flute of champagne while you're at. You can also head to the Met Opera Shop for gifts and recordings to help commemorate your visit.
- With over 3,800 seats available for you to choose from, finding a good one can be a hassle, especially if you're attending an opera for the first time and don't know what you consider. If money is not a concern, opt for seats labelled premium in any section for a great view of the stage.
- If you're worried about overspending on your MET Opera tickets, we have some good news. Tickets for MET Operas are available to suit all budgets. If you're on a very tight budget, you can book seats labeled "obstructed view". While the visuals of the stage might not be the best, you'll be able to hear the stunning vocals in all their glory. Also, book your MET Opera tickets online to score great deals and discounts.
- To make your first visit to the Metropolitan Opera House memorable, arrive at the venue as early as possible and explore its beautiful interiors at a leisurely pace. There are many historical facts associated with the MET Opera House and you can learn all about them during your exploration.
- Don't leave immediately after the show ends. Curtain calls at the Metropolitan Opera House are spectacular and feature dramatic bows from opera singers. Remember, use Bravo! to laud a male performer and Brava! to commend a female performer.
Getting There
The Metropolitan Opera House is located between West 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Given New York City's robust public transport network, you'll find plenty of ways to get to the performance venue. Here are the most popular ones:
Subway: Take the No. 1 train to 66th Street Lincoln Center station.
Bus: Buses M5, M7, M10, M11, M20, M66, M104 and BxM2 stop at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Parking Spots: If you're bringing your own vehicle, the Lincoln Center has a park and lock parking garage located underneath the building. The parking spot is open to the public 24/7 and has 4 different entrances.
Restaurants near Metropolitan Opera House New York
1. Marea: Get high-end Italian housemade pastas and seafood from Michael White in a chic, Central Park South setting.
2. Tavern On The Green: One of the most famous eateries in NYC, this now restored Central Park legend serves classic American fare in an elegant setting with courtyard and garden seating.
3. Rose MexicanoThis modern Mexican chain eatery is renowned for its creative margaritas, tableside guacamole, and chic surroundings.
4. Jean-Georges: Experience sophisticated New French flavors at this eatery which boasts floor to ceiling windows overlooking Central Park.
5. Per Se: Get stunning views of Central Park at Chef Thomas Keller's New American restaurant which offers luxe fixed-price menus.
Check out our Theatre District restaurants guide for even more fantastic dining options in and around Broadway district.
FAQs: Metropolitan Opera House New York
56.
16 September 1966.
30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States.
With a seating capacity of approximately 3,850, the house is the largest repertory opera house in the world. Home to the Metropolitan Opera Company, the facility also hosts the American Ballet Theatre in the summer months.
