The most prestigious opera houses in the world

[jw5]

Opera is an art form that combines theater and classical music. The first formal opera took place in 1597, but it was only in the early 18th century that theaters specially designed to host performances of this unique musical expression started appearing across Europe. Many of these historic venues are simply stunning in their architectural splendor and stand as testament to the reverence given to opera in the 18th and 19th centuries. And they are still hosting this popular form of entertainment today. So, where can you enjoy opera in dazzling and opulent surroundings?

 

[jw5]

Palais Garnier - Paris, France -

Arguably the most famous opera house in the world, Palais Garnier was built at the behest of Napoleon III and inaugurated in 1875.

 

[jw5]

Palais Garnier - Paris, France -

Named for French architect Charles Garnier, the building is a masterpiece of Second Empire-style architecture blending elements from the Baroque, the classicism of Palladio, and Renaissance architecture.

 

[jw5]

Royal Opera House - London, England -

The Royal Opera House is one of London's most distinguished landmarks. The historic building houses The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet.

 

[jw5]

Royal Opera House - London, England -

The current venue, opened in 1858, is the third theater on the site, following disastrous fires in 1808 and 1856 to previous buildings.

 

[jw5]

Teatro Colón - Buenos Aires, Argentina -

Opened in 1908, Teatro Colón stands in the heart of Buenos Aires and is widely regarded as one of the best opera houses in South America.

 

[jw5]

Teatro Colón - Buenos Aires, Argentina -

The splendid interior features belle époque architectural flourishes and is renowned for its superlative acoustics.

 

[jw5]

La Scala - Milan, Italy -

Regarded as one of the leading opera and ballet theaters globally, La Scala has hosted Italy's greatest operatic artists, and many of the finest singers from around the world, since its inauguration in 1778.

 

[jw5]

La Scala - Milan, Italy -

Besides its role as leading opera house, the historic venue is also home to the La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet, La Scala Theatre Orchestra, and the Filarmonica della Scala orchestra.

 

[jw5]

Sydney Opera House - Sydney, Australia -

Easily the most recognized opera house in the world, the Sydney Opera House is also one of the world's most distinctive buildings and a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. It was designed by Jørn Utzon.

 

[jw5]

Sydney Opera House - Sydney, Australia -

The Sydney Opera House is the permanent home of Opera Australia, the Sydney Theatre Company, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, but also serves as a multi-venue performing arts center.

 

[jw5]

Hungarian State Opera House - Budapest, Hungary -

Opened in 1884, the Hungarian State Opera House was designed by Miklós Ybl, one of Europe's leading architects in the mid- to late-19th century, and part funded by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary.

 

[jw5]

Hungarian State Opera House - Budapest, Hungary -

The theater's influential directors have included such illustrious names as Ferenc Erkel, Gustav Mahler, and Otto Klemperer.

 

[MutterBerg]

You left out Bavarian State Opera, Vienna State Opera, Berlin State Opera, New York Metropolitan, Dresden Semperoper etc etc..Mahler was more well known as the Director of Vienna State Opera and later New York Metropolitan Opera than Hungarian State Opera imo. Someone just complained to me two days La Scala under Riccardo Chailly (Karajan’s worst student imo) has been disappointing in its current season.

 

[MutterBerg]

The best private opera company these days is Glynderbourne Opera imo. They brought out all the Masonic elements in Mozart’s Die Zauberflaute the most succinctly. Have always encouraged peers in my circle to volunteer themselves as their patrons.

 

[MutterBerg]

I stand corrected. Interestingly Sir Georg Solti was never appointed as the Director of Hungarian State Opera. Not exactly a fan of his Wagner…

 

[jw5]

Margravial Opera House - Bayreuth, Germany -

Completed in 1750, the Margravial Opera House is one of Europe's few surviving theaters of the period and is celebrated for its exceptional Baroque architecture.

 

[jw5]

Margravial Opera House - Bayreuth, Germany -

The all-wood auditorium is simply breathtaking, intricately covered as it is in beautiful gilded accents and overlooked by a highly decorative trompe-l'œil ceiling.