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Metropolitan Opera

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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

Ailyn Pérez sings an excerpt from Cio-Cio-San’s Act II aria in the final dress rehearsal. Production: Anthony Minghella. Conductor: Marco Armiliato. 2025–26 season. Videography by Pete Scalzitti. The title character of Madama Butterfly—a young Japanese geisha betrayed by a visiting American naval officer—is one of the defining roles in opera, as convincing and tragic as any figure in drama. While the opera examines ideas about cultural and sexual imperialism, its true dramatic focus rests squarely on seemingly real people in desperate situations. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.

Ailyn Pérez and SeokJong Baek sing an excerpt from Cio-Cio-San and Pinkerton’s Act I duet in the final dress rehearsal. Production: Anthony Minghella. Conductor: Marco Armiliato. 2025–26 season. Videography by Pete Scalzitti. The title character of Madama Butterfly—a young Japanese geisha betrayed by a visiting American naval officer—is one of the defining roles in opera, as convincing and tragic as any figure in drama. While the opera examines ideas about cultural and sexual imperialism, its true dramatic focus rests squarely on seemingly real people in desperate situations. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.

Ailyn Pérez and Hyona Kim sing an excerpt from Cio-Cio-San and Suzuki’s Act II duet in an early stage rehearsal. Production: Anthony Minghella. Conductor: Marco Armiliato. 2025–26 season. Videography by Neville Braithwaite. The title character of Madama Butterfly—a young Japanese geisha betrayed by a visiting American naval officer—is one of the defining roles in opera, as convincing and tragic as any figure in drama. While the opera examines ideas about cultural and sexual imperialism, its true dramatic focus rests squarely on seemingly real people in desperate situations. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.

SeokJong Baek sings Pinkerton’s Act III aria in an early stage rehearsal, alongside Andrzej Filończyk as Sharpless. Production: Anthony Minghella. Conductor: Marco Armiliato. 2025–26 season. Videography by Neville Braithwaite. The title character of Madama Butterfly—a young Japanese geisha betrayed by a visiting American naval officer—is one of the defining roles in opera, as convincing and tragic as any figure in drama. While the opera examines ideas about cultural and sexual imperialism, its true dramatic focus rests squarely on seemingly real people in desperate situations. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.

Lisette Oropesa, who stars as Elvira in Charles Edwards’s new staging of Bellini’s final masterpiece, discusses the production and how Elvira’s painting offers new insight into her mad scene. 2025–26 season. Videography by Neville Braithwaite. Set during the English Civil War, I Puritani uses history as a powerful framing device for an intimate human drama—a common strategy of the time, as Bellini and his contemporaries often explored the relationship of civil war and individual madness. The composer created the score for four of the best vocalists of the day, and the success of a performance depends upon the vocal abilities and artistic sensibilities of its singers. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.

The winter features four thrilling operas in spectacular productions: Carmen, Porgy and Bess, Madama Butterfly, and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, back by popular demand. Tickets at metopera.org or on the Met Opera app. 2025–26 season.

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Metropolitan Opera News

Video: Bellini’s I PURITANI at the Metropolitan Opera

Get a first look at The Metropolitan Opera's new staging of Vincenzo Bellini’s I Puritani, marking the company’s first new production of the opera in nearly 50 years.

Miles Mykkanen Will Lead SILENT NIGHT at Houston Grand Opera

Houston Grand Opera has announced that internationally celebrated Finnish-American tenor Miles Mykkanen will perform the lead role of Nikolaus Sprink in Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell's Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Silent Night.

Richard E. Waits Makes Metropolitan Opera Debut in I PURITANI

The Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Vincenzo Bellini’s bel canto masterpiece I Puritani, features theatre actor Richard E. Waits making his Met debut!

Photos: SOTTO VOCE Cast at GableStage Theatre Company

GableStage Theatre Company will present Sotto Voce, written and directed by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Check out photos of the cast here!

Phelim McDermott's Production of Mozart's COSI FAN TUTTE Returns to ENO

ENO's witty and whimsical production of Mozart's Così fan tutte will return to the London Coliseum this February with a new cast. Learn more about the upcoming production here!

FELLOW TRAVELERS, A Gay Love Story Set During The Lavender Scare, Comes To Seattle Opera

This February, Seattle Opera will present the trailblazing opera Fellow Travelers, a gay love story set during the Lavender Scare, a McCarthy-era witch hunt that ousted thousands of gay and lesbian employees from the federal government.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 5, 2026- Look Back at Broadway in 2025 And More

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 5, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.

Dancer and Actor Carmen de Lavallade Dies at 94

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that actress, choreographer, and dancer Carmen de Lavallade has died at age 94. Learn more about her and read the full obituary here.

Review Roundup: I PURITANI at the Metropolitan Opera

Performances are now underway for The Metropolitan Opera's new staging of Vincenzo Bellini’s I Puritani, marking the company’s first new production of the opera in nearly 50 years. Find out what the critics are saying in the reviews here!

Video: Lisette Oropesa Sings Act II Aria From I PURITANI At The Metropolitan Opera

A new rehearsal video features soprano Lisette Oropesa performing an excerpt from Elvira’s Act II aria in I PURITANI. The footage was filmed during an early stage rehearsal for the Metropolitan Opera’s 2025–26 season.

Video: Brittany Renee And Ryan Speedo Green Sing From PORGY AND BESS At The Metropolitan Opera

A new performance video features soprano Brittany Renee and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green performing an excerpt from the Act II duet of PORGY AND BESS. 


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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