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At a Glance

Time Needed: 240 min.

Ages: 8+

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Metropolitan Opera is a world-renowned opera house located in New York City, and is a must-visit destination for tourists interested in the arts. The opera house offers a range of performances from classic operas to contemporary productions, featuring some of the most talented performers from around the world. Attending a performance at the Metropolitan Opera is an opportunity to witness the beauty and drama of operatic art at its highest level. The stunning stage sets, elaborate costumes, and world-class musical performances combine to create an unforgettable experience that appeals to both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. In addition to the performances, the Metropolitan Opera offers a range of behind-the-scenes tours and talks that allow visitors to explore the history and inner workings of the opera house. The tour includes a visit to the costume department, the wig and makeup room, and the orchestra pit, giving visitors a glimpse into the incredible attention to detail and skill required to produce an opera.

Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023 Get Directions





Metropolitan Opera Videos

Composer Gabriela Lena Frank, librettist Nilo Cruz, and Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin discuss the score of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego and how it connects with Mexican art and culture and Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. 2025–26 season. Gabriela Lena Frank’s first opera centers on two icons of Mexican art, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, whose passions and pains fueled the creation of some of their most breathtaking masterpieces. Rather than as a straightforward biography, Frank frames the story as a reversal of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, with Kahlo’s spirit reuniting with her husband on the Day of the Dead and reliving their tumultuous love affair. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.

Director and choreographer Deborah Colker and set and costume designer Jon Bausor discuss the details of their staging and how they approached bringing Gabriela Lena Frank’s new production to the Met stage. 2025–26 season. Gabriela Lena Frank’s first opera centers on two icons of Mexican art, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, whose passions and pains fueled the creation of some of their most breathtaking masterpieces. Rather than as a straightforward biography, Frank frames the story as a reversal of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, with Kahlo’s spirit reuniting with her husband on the Day of the Dead and reliving their tumultuous love affair. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.

A dizzying backstage display 🌀 One of the grandest productions in the Met repertory, Franco Zeffirelli’s glittering vision of Puccini’s Turandot is on stage through the final week of the season. This video from the 2016 Live in HD transmission of Turandot highlights the complex work of our highly skilled @metoperastagemanagers as they call the various cues throughout the production. #opera #classicalmusic #theater #musicaltheater #nyc

Lehár’s enchanting operetta returns to cinemas, starring soprano Renée Fleming in the dazzling 2015 production directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. Andrew Davis conducts. Learn more and find your theater at metopera.org/hd.

Verdi’s Egyptian drama returns to cinemas, starring soprano Angel Blue and tenor Piotr Beczała in this 2025 performance of Michael Mayer’s spectacular production. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts. Learn more and find your theater at metopera.org/hd.

Call it the graveyard shift. On May 8, the Day of the Dead came early, as the Met collaborated with Death of Classical on an event at Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery featuring members of the cast and creative team of Gabriela Lena Frank and librettist Nilo Cruz’s El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego. With Mexican ofrendas, lively conversation, and excerpts from the score, the event drew more than 950 people to celebrate the Met’s latest premiere. 2025–26 season. Videography by Neville Braithwaite.

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Metropolitan Opera News

COPLAND & TWAIN to Make NY Premiere at Chelsea Music Festival

Concert Theatre Works' theatrical concert COPLAND & TWAIN, directed by Bill Barclay, will blend Aaron Copland's incidental music with Mark Twain's writings at Open Jar Studios, conducted by Ken-David Masur.

TRISTAN UND ISOLDE, I PURITANI and More to Screen at The Met’s Summer HD Festival

The Metropolitan Opera’s 2026 Summer HD Festival returns to Lincoln Center Plaza in September. The free festival features five performances from the company’s celebrated The Met: Live in HD series.

Photos: Sting and Shaggy Perform for the Broadway Community to Celebrate THE LAST SHIP

Sting and Shaggy performed on O&M’s rooftop to the Broadway community to celebrate their New York return of The Last Ship, beginning performances at the Met next week. See photos!

Video: Sting and Shaggy Perform Ahead of THE LAST SHIP at the Met

Sting and Shaggy performed on O&M’s rooftop to the Broadway community to celebrate their New York return of THE LAST SHIP, beginning performances at the Met next week. Check out the video here!

MADAMA BUTTERFLY Will Come to Princeton Festival

Soprano Toni Marie Palmertree, fresh from the Metropolitan Opera stage, will perform the title role in the Princeton Festival's new production of Puccini's MADAMA BUTTERFLY at Morven Museum & Garden, with a 7-year-old local student making his Festival debut.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Will Host 2026 Winter Gala Featuring Danielle De Niese

Olivier Award winner Danielle de Niese will make her Melbourne Symphony Orchestra debut at the 2026 Winter Gala, performing works by Bernstein, Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern at Arts Centre Melbourne's Hamer Hall.

Cast Set For SWAN LAKE and ONEGIN at American Ballet Theatre

American Ballet Theatre announced casting for the first two weeks of its summer season at the Metropolitan Opera House, including principal dancer Cory Stearns' farewell performance in John Cranko's ONEGIN.

Speight Jenkins, Former Seattle Opera General Director, Dies at 89

Speight Jenkins, who led Seattle Opera for 31 years and transformed it into one of the most respected opera companies in the US, has died at 89, the company announced.

LA TRAGÉDIE DE CARMEN to be Presented at Merola Opera Program

San Francisco’s Merola Opera Program will continue its 2026 season with La Tragédie de Carmen, a condensed adaptation of Georges Bizet’s Carmen, created by theatre director Peter Brook.

ARENA DI VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL to Open With 50-Plus Nights of Opera in Roman Amphitheater

Italy's Arena di Verona Opera Festival will present six classic opera productions, ballet, and multimedia concerts in its 10,000-seat open-air Roman amphitheater, featuring stars including Plácido Domingo, Anna Netrebko, and Roberto Alagna.

The Prince Fellowship to Open Applications for 2026 Program

The Prince Fellowship, in association with Columbia University School of the Arts, announced applications are open for its 2026 program, offering early-career producers a $10,000 stipend, a $20,000 production budget, and mentorship from industry leaders.

Creative Stage Collective's Madeline Bender Named 2026 CitizensNYC Gala Honoree

Madeline Bender, founder of Creative Stage Collective, has been selected as a New Yorker for New York Honoree at the CitizensNYC annual gala, held at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.

Greek National Opera Reveals 2026/27 Season

In dieser Kombination zeigt sich das Profil der Griechischen Nationaloper (GNO). Internationales Repertoire neben griechischen Eigenproduktionen, die sonst nirgends entstehen würden.

Previews: Broadway Stars Shine Bright This Summer at Blue Strawberry in St. Louis

The stars of Broadway will shine this summer at Blue Strawberry Showroom and Lounge. Katy Geraghty, Tony Winner Paulo Szot, Elizabeth Teeter, and Tony Winner Matt Doyle will bring their solo shows to intimate midtown cabaret club.

MY FAIR LADY and THE ELIXIR OF LOVE Additional Casting Announced At Opera Saratoga

Opera Saratoga has announced additional casting for its summer festival productions of MY FAIR LADY and THE ELIXIR OF LOVE. The performances will take place June 20–28 at Universal Preservation Hall as part of the company's 65th anniversary season.


Metropolitan Opera Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Metropolitan Opera

The closest subway stops to the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center are the 66th Street-Lincoln Center station (served by the 1 train) and the 72nd Street station (served by the 1, 2, and 3 trains). Both stations are just a short walk away from the opera house.

If you're looking for subway updates or want to plan your route, I recommend checking the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info/. This website provides real-time updates on subway service changes, delays, and other important information.

Additionally, Lincoln Center is a cultural hub with a variety of attractions and activities. While you're in the area, I suggest exploring the beautiful Lincoln Center campus, which includes iconic venues like the David Geffen Hall, the David H. Koch Theater, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. You can also enjoy a stroll through the nearby Central Park or visit the nearby Columbus Circle, which offers shopping, dining, and great views of the city.

I hope you have a fantastic time at the Metropolitan Opera and enjoy everything that Lincoln Center has to offer!


What's the best way to get to Metropolitan Opera by bus?

The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center is located on Broadway, between 63rd and 64th Streets. There are several bus stops near the opera house that you can use to get there. Here are the closest ones:

1. Broadway/W 64 St: This bus stop is right in front of the Metropolitan Opera. You can check the latest bus schedules and routes on the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info/.

2. Broadway/W 63 St: This bus stop is just a few steps away from the opera house. You can find more information about bus routes and updates on the MTA website mentioned above.

3. Columbus Circle: This is another nearby bus stop located at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, and 59th Street. From here, it's a short walk to the Metropolitan Opera. For bus schedules and real-time updates, visit the MTA website.

Remember to check the MTA website for any changes or service disruptions before you travel. Enjoy your visit to the Metropolitan Opera!


How much time should I plan to spend at Metropolitan Opera?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City depends on a few factors. If you are a passionate opera lover and want to immerse yourself in the full experience, I would recommend setting aside an entire evening. Most opera performances at the Met have a runtime of approximately three to four hours, including intermissions.

However, if you have a tight schedule or are looking for a shorter visit, you can consider attending a matinee performance. Matinees typically start in the afternoon and have a shorter runtime, usually around two to three hours. This allows you to enjoy a world-class opera performance without dedicating your entire evening.

Keep in mind that the Met is not just about the performance itself. The iconic Lincoln Center, where the opera house is located, offers stunning architecture, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. Arriving early or staying after the show to explore the surroundings can enhance your overall experience.

In conclusion, plan to spend an evening at the Metropolitan Opera for a complete opera experience, or opt for a matinee if you have limited time. Either way, you are in for a treat of exceptional music, talented performers, and a memorable night in the heart of New York City.


Can I bring food and drinks into Metropolitan Opera?

The Metropolitan Opera in New York City has a food and drink policy that allows patrons to bring beverages into the theater, but outside food is not permitted. You can purchase drinks and snacks at the opera house's concession stands before the performance and during intermission. They offer a variety of refreshments, including soft drinks, coffee, wine, beer, and light snacks. Enjoy your time at the opera, and don't forget to indulge in some treats during intermission!


Does Metropolitan Opera offer luggage storage?

The Metropolitan Opera in New York City does not have a luggage storage policy. However, they do have a coat check service available for patrons to store their coats and small personal items during performances. It is important to note that large bags or suitcases are not allowed inside the theater, so it is best to make arrangements for storing your luggage elsewhere before attending a performance at the Metropolitan Opera. There are several luggage storage services available in the city, such as luggage storage facilities near major transportation hubs or at hotels that offer this service to non-guests for a fee.


Is Metropolitan Opera a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Absolutely! The Metropolitan Opera in New York City is a fantastic experience for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While the performances are primarily in Italian, French, German, and Russian, the Met provides English translations in the form of projected supertitles above the stage. This allows everyone in the audience to follow along with the story and fully appreciate the incredible vocal performances.

Attending a performance at the Metropolitan Opera is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of opera and experience the grandeur of one of the world's most prestigious opera houses. The stunning sets, elaborate costumes, and world-class talent make for an unforgettable evening.

If you're visiting from another country, be sure to check the Met's schedule in advance and book your tickets early, as performances often sell out quickly. Additionally, the Met offers backstage tours, which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the opera house and its history.

So whether you're an opera aficionado or simply curious about this art form, the Metropolitan Opera is a must-visit destination for visitors to New York City, regardless of language proficiency.


What ages are appropriate for Metropolitan Opera?

The Metropolitan Opera in New York City welcomes opera lovers of all ages! However, it is important to consider the length and content of the performances when bringing young children. While there is no strict age restriction, it is generally recommended that children be at least 8 years old to fully appreciate and enjoy the opera experience. The operas can be quite lengthy, often spanning several hours, so it's important to ensure that children have the attention span to sit through a performance. Additionally, some operas may contain mature themes or intense scenes that may not be suitable for very young children. Ultimately, it's up to the parents' discretion to determine if their child is ready for the opera.


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