Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House is also known as the Covent Garden Royal Theatre because it is located in London’s Covent Garden and Fruit Market and was established under royal charter. It is the UK’s premier venue for opera performances, hosting numerous renowned orchestras and vocalists every year, and is now one of the world’s four great opera houses.

The opera house was built by John Rich, who held a royal license from Charles II to construct an opera house. Constructed in 1732, its inaugural performance featured Congreve’s "The Way of the World" and the "Beggar's Opera" by German composer and conductor Johann Pepusch. Upon entering the theatre, one is first greeted by a very modern-looking lobby, though the opera house retains an old-fashioned aristocratic elegance—especially the boxes, which are lavishly decorated in gold. It is said that the Queen herself frequently attends performances here. The Royal Opera House has 2,250 seats and houses a dedicated orchestra and choir, with the orchestra consisting of 106 members.

In the 20th century, the Royal Opera House staged nearly 4,000 operas, all performed in their original languages, a hallmark of the venue. Today, the Royal Opera House is shared by the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet, and is one of the world’s most renowned cultural hubs. The great composer Debussy once remarked: “This theatre perfectly showcases the best of the British: its magnificent décor, flawless acoustics, and the supreme joy of listening to music here.”

Royal Opera House

Must-visit reason: London’s most prestigious historic theatre

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Greater London [Greater London]

City where the attraction is located: London [London]