At a Glance
Time Needed: 240 min.
Ages: 8+
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023 Get Directions
Metropolitan Opera Videos
Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Met Orchestra in a rehearsal of Isolde’s “Liebestod” from Act III of Wagner’s transcendent masterpiece. Videography by Pete Scalzitti. 2025–26 season. Wagner’s magnificent masterpiece is built on the idea of a great yearning that cannot be fulfilled in this plane of existence. This is first expressed in the prelude by a single chord and conveyed using chromatic modulations that build without resolving. Both of the principal roles are of an incredible stature, but Isolde’s is the last voice we hear: Her famous Liebestod concludes this exhilarating journey and offers the long-awaited resolution of the “Tristan chord” more than five hours after its initial sounding. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Met Orchestra in a rehearsal of Isolde’s “Liebestod” from Act III of Wagner’s transcendent masterpiece. Videography by Pete Scalzitti. 2025–26 season. Wagner’s magnificent masterpiece is built on the idea of a great yearning that cannot be fulfilled in this plane of existence. This is first expressed in the prelude by a single chord and conveyed using chromatic modulations that build without resolving. Both of the principal roles are of an incredible stature, but Isolde’s is the last voice we hear: Her famous Liebestod concludes this exhilarating journey and offers the long-awaited resolution of the “Tristan chord” more than five hours after its initial sounding. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
The late, great Finnish composer’s final opera has its Met premiere this spring, with Maestro Susanna Mälkki conducting Simon Stone’s powerful production. 2025–26 season. © Camera lucida productions / Festival d’Aix-en-Provence / Radio France – 2021. Sandrine Piau appears courtesy of Alpha Classics. Magdalena Kozena appears courtesy of Pentatone. Kaija Saariaho’s final opera plays out across two intertwining timelines—one traces the events of a tragic attack, while the other follows a wedding and the buried traumas and painful revelations that resurface years later. Captivating with its eerie, darkly beautiful sound-world and diverse vocal styles, ranging from traditional opera to expressionistic speak-singing to Scandinavian folk music, Saariaho’s opera is a raw and unflinching cry against the senseless violence of our modern age. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
Subscriptions are on sale now for the Met’s new season, which features five new productions and 12 revivals of repertory masterpieces. It all begins September 22 with the Opening Night new-production premiere of Verdi’s Macbeth. Buy or renew your subscription today at metopera.org/subscribe
This spring, five timeless masterpieces take the stage in breathtaking productions: La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, La Bohème, Eugene Onegin, and Turandot. Experience these beloved favorites at the Metropolitan Opera. 2025–26 season. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
Soprano Lisette Oropesa discusses taking on the role of Violetta in Verdi’s timeless masterpiece La Traviata. 2025–26 season. Videography by Neville Braithwaite. Following the larger-scale dramas of Rigoletto and Il Trovatore, the intimate scope and subject matter inspired the composer to create some of his most profound and heartfelt music. The title role of the “fallen woman” has captured the imaginations of audiences and performers alike with its inexhaustible vocal and dramatic possibilities and has become a pinnacle of the soprano repertoire.
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Metropolitan Opera News
The Atlanta Opera will present a dynamic 2026-2027 season with seven productions, including classic and contemporary operas and musical theatre, before relocating to a new venue.
Next month, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond for Women's History Month, including Linda Eder, Kate Baldwin, Jenn Colella and more.
Jay Staten, with a diverse background in Broadway and dance education, has been named the new Artistic Director of Dance at COCA, bringing extensive experience to the role.
The Green Room 42 will present Uptown Mamas: A Benefit For Moms In Need. Husband-and-wife team Kailee Graham return with an uplifting evening of music and storytelling to raise funds and awareness for families affected by domestic violence.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is presenting the world premiere of safronia, a landmark musical composition commissioned from Chicago’s first Poet Laureate, the interdisciplinary artist avery r. young.
Watch the official trailer for INNOCENCE at The Metropolitan Opera, Kaija Saariaho’s final opera, conducted by Susanna Mälkki and starring Joyce DiDonato.
The Martha Graham Dance Company's Studio Series will move off-site for a sneak peek of the PBS documentary Martha Graham Dance Company: We Are Our Time.
Broadway performer Sondra Lee died of natural causes in her New York City apartment at age 97. Throughout her nine-decade career, Lee won awards as a dancer, actor, teacher, author, stage director, playwright, theatre and film consultant and painter.
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, composer, and actor Harry Connick, Jr. will perform live at DPAC on July 5, 2026. Known for his vocals, piano work, and blend of jazz standards, pop, and New Orleans classics, Connick will appear in Durham for a single performance.
Bach in the City will present the Midwest premiere of the reconstructed ST. MARK PASSION by J.S. Bach, featuring a unique performance led by Music Director Richard Webster at St. Vincent de Paul Church. The event will showcase top soloists and a period-instrument orchestra.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater has revealed the cast and creative team for The Merry Wives of Windsor, an endlessly entertaining new take of Shakespeare’s most raucous comedy.
Jason Graae will return to 54 Below in his new show It's a Graae Night For Singing! The recently Graae-headed Jason Graae explores his Graae-ness and his beloved, fascinating and divorced parents, along with their friends and acquaintances, and more.
The Dryden Ensemble will present a concert featuring renowned musicians Daniel Swenberg, Adam Cockerham, and Dušan Balarin, specializing in Renaissance and Baroque lutes and guitars, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Princeton.
Asolo Repertory Theatre has released first look photos of its production of The Unfriend, running through March 22, 2026. From the writer of television's Dr. Who, Sherlock, and Dracula comes a hilarious new play about an unwanted house guest. Check out photos of the show.
Puffin Cultural Forum will present a special staged reading of In Equal Measure, followed by a facilitated community discussion on police accountability, communal grief, and the moral consequences when justice systems fail.
Metropolitan Opera Frequently Asked Questions
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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