The theatre's current name change from 'Royal Opera House' to 'Royal Ballet and Opera' was finalized in 2024 to better reflect the equal prominence of both resident companies.
The first theatre on this site, opened in 1732, was the primary venue for George Frideric Handel's operas.
The Floral Hall, originally a flower market, contains a massive glass roof that was restored using modern engineering while retaining its Victorian ironwork.
The stage machinery includes a sophisticated automated system that can move entire sets between the main stage and the backstage production areas.
There are still remnants of the 1858 building, specifically the ornate facade and the grand foyer, incorporated into the modern complex.
The building houses its own dedicated costume department, wig-making studio, and set-construction workshops within the same complex.
The Royal Ballet and Opera, formerly known as the Royal Opera House, is located in Covent Garden and serves as the home to both The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. The current building is the third theatre on the site, constructed in 1858 following the destruction of its predecessor by fire. The venue features an iconic glass-roofed Floral Hall, a restored 19th-century structure that now serves as the main entrance atrium. The auditorium maintains a classic horseshoe shape, optimized for both acoustic resonance and sightlines. The venue underwent an extensive multi-year architectural redevelopment concluded in 2018 to improve public access and expand its social spaces. It functions as a production house where sets and costumes for major performances are constructed on-site. The facility includes two distinct stages: the main stage and the smaller, more intimate Linbury Theatre.
The Paul Hamlyn Hall (Floral Hall) under the vaulted glass roof provides the most iconic architectural view.
Check the 'Live at Lunch' or daytime recital schedules for shorter, lower-cost access to the auditorium.
Book a backstage tour in advance to see the costume workshops and the intricate stage-switching mechanisms.
Visit the Linbury Theatre for contemporary works that often feature experimental staging not possible on the main stage.
Do not purchase tickets from unauthorized third-party scalpers; use the official website's resale platform if the performance is sold out.
Main season runs from autumn through early summer; the venue occasionally closes for short periods in late summer for annual maintenance.
Dress code is smart-casual to formal; most evening attendees dress in business or evening wear, though there is no strict mandate.
