The most famous opera houses in the world. Famous opera houses of the world

Each opera house is a special, unique work of art. The list of the ten best opera houses in the world immerses you in an atmosphere of grandeur and sublimity.

Ten of the best, according to the book “The National Geographic”:

10. Lincoln Center, New York, USA

The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, which harmoniously combines everything from the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York Ballet, also has a library and two theaters. The center promotes not only classics, but also innovations, something completely new, unfamiliar to the viewer. Operas at the Met are regularly filmed and performed in theaters around the world. The Arts Center of Lincoln Center also plays a significant role in the field of education: its rich repertoire contributes to the inspiration and creativity of students and professionals.

9. Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper), Vienna, Austria

Built in 1869, the Staatsoper opened with a performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni. Its reputation as a center musical life Venice has long been established, and the Staatsoper remains one of the world's best opera houses. Although most of It was destroyed on March 12, 1945, when the Allies bombed the city towards the end of World War II, the main staircase and some other public areas miraculously surviving. To understand what everything looked like before the air raid, you only have to go through main entrance in the foyer. The theater you see now was reopened at the end of the Russian occupation of Austria, and the first play staged after for long years war, became Ludwig van Beethoven's Fidelio, a hymn to freedom.

8. Royal Opera of Versailles, Versailles, France

The interior of the Royal Opera House, located in the famous luxurious palace of Versailles, is distinguished by exquisite workmanship. The wooden walls were painted to resemble marble (and indeed, it is almost impossible to distinguish from the original). Gold combines harmoniously with pink and green shades of marble, sky blue curtains and upholstery. Breaking with the traditional Italian style (which most theaters follow), the Royal Opera House is surrounded by two balconies and the building itself is topped by a vast colonnade, which, thanks to the play of mirrors, seems to stretch to infinity. Enge-Jacques Gabriel built the theater in 1769 in preparation for the marriage of the Dauphin, the future King Louis XVI, and Princess Marie Antoinette of Austria. After the French Revolution, the theater was used only occasionally for various events. Today, special gala performances are often held here.

7. Paris Opera, Paris, France

The main façade of the Opera produces strong impression, although it would seem that in Paris, a city where wonderful architectural sculptures are literally on every corner, it is no longer possible to surprise. The magnificently decorated building with its crowning dome was built in 1875. Grand Theatre the inside is suitable for both ballet and opera. Some of the largest ceremonial spaces in the world are located here at the Paris Opera, where their grandeur lends importance to events of all kinds. Rich and bright interiors reflect the tastes and moods of the Second Empire of France. In 1962, Marc Chagall created new frescoes in the center of the Palais Garnier ceiling. The result, no less impressive, is all the more remarkable because it does not contradict the formal character of the interior decor.

6. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

Situated on a piece of land jutting out into Sydney Harbour, the stunning, modern Sydney Opera House has stunning views of water dotted with sailboats. Even if going to see a show isn't on your agenda, the Sydney Opera House is worth a visit just to look at the stunning building. The structure was designed by Jörn Utzon to offer a series of overlapping shells and sails. Grand opening took place in 1973. The first performance at the theater was Prokofiev’s “War and Peace.” The inside of each theater is covered with panels made of different breeds wood to improve the acoustics of the room and also make it more aesthetically pleasing. All main performance areas have their own foyers.

5. Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia

One of the main theaters in Russia, known for one of the best symphony orchestras in the world, - the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow went through “fire, water and copper pipes", or more precisely, fire, war and revolution. Its stunning neoclassical portico, topped by a statue of Apollo in his chariot, is a harbinger of the splendor that will appear before the eyes of visitors once they enter. In 2005, the theater was closed for reconstruction and was reopened only in the fall of 2011. Four balconies and a top gallery surround the orchestra, where seats include Chippendale chairs upholstered in red damask. Enjoys worldwide fame ballet troupe Moscow theater. Here, the famous choreographer Yuri Grigorovich staged memorable performances “ Swan Lake", "The Golden Age" and "Romance".

4. Royal Opera House, London, England

The Royal Opera House was built in Covent Garden at the beginning of the 18th century, and has not changed its location, but the modern theater building is already the third located on this site. The first operas of George Frideric Handel were performed within the walls Royal Theater, and later many operas and oratorios were written German composer for this place in particular. He performed here regularly from 1735 until the day of his death in 1759.

3. Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires, Argentina

To keep up with the wealthy industrialists of the United States, Argentines, like passionate fans Opera, in 1908 they completed the construction of the Teatro Colon. It is by no means easy to define the style of this theater: it has a little bit of everything, it took the best from various European theaters. And this is not surprising, because so many architects were involved in the construction. This outstanding recording from a huge opera house, containing great performances, is agreed upon only by the band famous artists that once graced its stage. The theater has its own exquisite costumes and picturesque construction departments.

2. Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Italy

The magnificent red and gold Teatro San Carlo, built by King Charles of Bourbon in 1737, is the oldest in the world, and before the construction of La Scala, it was also the most prestigious in Italy. Some of Gioachino Rossini's most popular operas premiered on the stage of San Carlo.

1. La Scala, Milan, Italy

Milan's Teatro La Scala is perhaps the most famous opera house in the world. It is he who is associated with classical opera. The theater, built in 1778, is associated with the names of such world-famous composers as Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi and Gaetano Donizetti. One of the highlights of La Scala is the concave channel under the orchestra's wooden floor, which gives the hall such excellent acoustics.

Do you love theater as much as Belinsky loved it? What exactly do you love about the theater?

the hanger from which it begins, the high ceilings and paintings on the walls, tired and

happy faces of the actors performing an encore, or maybe a cake in the buffet?

Especially for those who have not decided why they love theater, we have made a selection

theaters, famous all over the world for their uniqueness.

La Scala Opera House, Milan

The name of the theater was “inherited” from the church of Santa Maria della Scala, on

the place where it was built. The temple, in turn, received its name in honor of its patroness from the family of rulers of Verona, named Scala. The theater was opened on August 3, 1778 with the opera La Recognized by Antonio Salieri, written by

especially for this event.

Stendhal wrote in his diary: “I consider the Scala the first theater in the world, because its

music gives the most pleasure. There is not a single lamp in the hall: it is illuminated

only light reflected from the scenery. It's impossible to even imagine anything more

majestic, more luxurious, more impressive than all its architectural forms."

The theater building was destroyed during the Second World War, but by 1946 -

completely restored. The last restoration was completed in 2004; on December 7, Salieri’s “Recognized Europe” was again performed on the renovated stage.

Viennese state opera, Vienna

The court opera appeared in Vienna in the mid-17th century, and by 1869 it was completed

Mozart's "Don Giovanni".

On the façade of the Vienna Opera excerpts from Mozart's The Magic Flute.

The building was badly damaged during the Second World War, and was restored only in 1955, at which time the tradition of the annual opera ball was resumed. To this day it takes place here most main ball Austria, equivalent to state reception. According to tradition, the ball begins with a polonaise performed by the debutants, and then the rest of the guests enter, including the president.

Over the years of its existence Vienna Opera saw many triumphs best composers, and many premieres that took place here have become truly immortal.

Metropolitan Opera, New York

One of the most famous opera scenes world was created with funds from the Metropolitan Opera House Company and, having opened on October 22, 1883 in the building of the opera house on Broadway, by the beginning of the twentieth century it began to be considered one of the leading opera stages, along with La Scala and the Vienna Opera. IN building on Broadway the theater survived the fire, just 9 years after its opening, however, after repair work, it opened again and was located there until 1966. In 1966, the building was demolished and the theater moved to a new building at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan, where it remains today. Metropolitan Opera in New York. Photo: social networks An important detail interior and a separate attraction of the new building are monumental frescoes by Marc Chagall, which decorate the walls of the lobby.

Theater Royal Covent Garden, London

Home stage of the London Royal Opera and London Royal Ballet

got its name from its location in the Covent Garden area. First theater

built on the site of a park that had previously been located here, it was opened on December 7, 1732 with the play “This is what they do in the world,” and in 1734 opera and ballet began to be staged in the theater.

In 1808, the first Covent Garden theater was destroyed by fire, and 9 months later a new building was erected in its place, which also did not last long - on March 5, 1856, the theater burned down again.

The modern theater building opened to guests on May 15, 1858 with Meyerbeer's opera Les Huguenots; it took part in two wars. During the First World War, the theater building was used as a warehouse, and during the Second World War, a dance hall was installed in the theater. In 1946, everything fell into place: on February 20, Covent Garden reopened ballet "The Sleeping Beauty" by Tchaikovsky.

Opera Garnier (Grand Opera), Paris

One of the most important opera and ballet theaters in the world is located in the Palais Garnier,

recognized standard of eclectic architecture.Grand Opera in Paris. Photo: Anna GORBUNOVA Competition for best project new building for the Paris Opera was announced by order Napoleon Bonaparte, who refused to attend the old opera after

the attempt on his life that took place there. Nobody won the project famous architect Charles Garnier, and the 30-year-old architect began work.

Due to the difficult political situation in the country, work on the construction of a new opera

lasted for 15 years and were completed only by October 30, 1874, which cost 36 million francs in gold.

It is Garnier's opera inspired Gaston Leroux to create famous novel"Phantom of the Opera". It is noteworthy that the underground lake mentioned in the novel actually exists - in the basement of the building there is a reservoir of water, which contributes to the stability of the foundation. In addition, water from the reservoir can be used in case of fire.

Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow The State Academic Bolshoi Theater is one of the most significant in the world

opera and ballet theaters, includes ballet and opera troupes, the Bolshoi Orchestra

Theater and Stage Brass Band.

In March 1776, Prince Pyotr Vasilyevich Urusov, by the highest permission

Empress Catherine II began construction of a theater, which, however, burned down

until construction is completed. The Prince transferred matters to Michael Medox, his English

partner, under whose leadership the first Bolshoi Petrovsky was built

theater, named after its location - on Petrovskaya Square and burned down

after 25 years. A new building was erected on Arbat Square, but it also burned down in

1812, without surviving Napoleon's invasion.

In January 1825, rebuilt by architect O.I. Beauvais Theater opened on Petrovskaya

square, later renamed Teatralnaya, with the performance “Celebration

muses" and burned again in March 1853. By mid-1856 the theater had been restored and

It didn’t burn down anymore, but later it was rebuilt more than once.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Sydney Opera House - Musical Theatre And Sydney's calling card, one of

main attractions of Australia. Sydney Opera House building -

unique example of expressionism, with a radical and innovative design. The building was designed by the Dane Jorn Utzon, who received the Pritzker Prize for it, and opened by Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1973.

Unfortunately, the building does not exist in its original form - the stepped structure of the roof did not provide proper acoustics and, despite the amazing beauty of this

structure, we had to hide it behind separate ceilings that reflected sound.

No matter what fans of modern technology say, films will never replace theater. Musicals will never be as entertaining and exciting as opera or ballet. The most brilliant performance of a film actor cannot be compared with the live performance and improvisation of a theater actor.

But beyond the action itself, theaters are often stunning just for the view. So let's admire the most beautiful theaters in the world. Well, we dream of visiting there someday.

1. Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, ​​Spain

Fabulous concert hall was built by Luis Domenech i Montaner. This theater is the only one in the world concert hall with natural light. Incredible glass mosaic, which makes up the dome of the ceiling, literally fascinates with its colorfulness.

2. Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto, Canada

Thomas Lamb's incredible botanical imagination simply leaves you looking at nothing else! We can’t even imagine how people watch performances in this theater. We bet you too would be looking at the leaves, flowers and lanterns hanging from the ceiling rather than watching a show.

3. Minack Theatre, Cornwall, England

The theater is the brainchild of amateur Rowena Cade, who designed it at the end of her garden to display goods for sale to local residents.

4. Wuxi Grand Theatre, China

This theater is one of the key cultural projects China. It stands on the southern shore of the lake, and its reflection in the water creates an unusual and fascinating view. Perhaps its interior is not as impressive as the interior of previous theaters, but appearance The theater is clearly one of the best in the world.

5. Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, ​​Spain

This opera house has existed since 1847. A similar interior can be found in our operas ( National Opera Ukraine, for example), but the facade of the building is simply stunning!

6. Boston Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts

One of the most famous theaters in the world, and one of the most pompous, if we talk about the interior. It was one of the first in America to show vaudeville and became the first theater to show films.

7. Guangzhou Opera House, China

Incredible theater! It feels like you are sitting under some creamy sky with bright stars on it. I want to literally bury myself in the softness of this interior and stay there forever.

8. The Seebühne, Austria

Have you ever seen a floating theater? Amazing sight! It seems to us that performances are not even needed here. You can just come and enjoy this magnificent view.

9. Gran Teatro La Fenice, Venice, Italy

The theater, located in one of the most beautiful cities world, not a bit inferior to its city in beauty. The history of the theater dates back to 1789, when it was necessary to replace the main opera house that burned to the ground.

10. Copenhagen Opera House, Copenhagen, Denmark

Just imagine what it's like to see such splendor from the stage. It seems that all the excitement should disappear the moment the actor comes out to the viewer. It's breathtaking!

Despite the fact that cinema has existed for a long time, theaters are as popular as in the old days.

And can a picture compare with an actor’s performance “live”, when the feeling of the spirit of the performance literally hovers in the hall?

Ballet, opera, comedy, musical, any production can stir up all the senses.

So today we will talk about theaters, and although this rating is called the top of the best theaters, there are no best or worst here and the division is arbitrary.

Each theater is unique and inimitable, with its atmosphere, actors, history.

So if you don’t see any of the famous theaters here, don’t rush to conclusions, it’s impossible to talk about them all, and the division, as mentioned above, is arbitrary.

La Scala

1. Let's start with Italy, because it can be called one of the cradles of theater, because here, along with Greece and France, many theatrical traditions. There were theaters here during Roman times and the Renaissance, so this country's contribution to performing arts undeniable. The best theater Italy is deservedly considered “La Scala” in Milan.

It was built in 1776-1778, and owes its name to the church “Santa Maria della Scala,” which was located on this site before the theater.

There is a legend that when laying the foundation, an antique block with an image of the mime Pylades was found, as if the ancient gods were blessing the future theater. The theater hall seats up to 2,800 people. By the way, it is customary to come here dressed in black.

IN different times The works of Bellini, Verdi and Puccini were very popular here. La Scala also hosted balls and even once hosted a bullfight.

Grand Opera

2. In France, the Grand Opera Theater is considered the most famous, although its official name is the National Academy of Music and Dance. Founded in 1669 by the poet Perrin and composer Cambert with the signature of Louis XIV. This theater has survived centuries, French Revolution, changed many names, but remained one of the best.

The building in which it is located today was built by the architect C. Garnier in 1875. The hall seats 2,130 people. It is difficult to list the performances staged on the Grand Opera stage over three and a half centuries.

Initially these were works French composers, then Italian and German. In the twentieth century, the premiere of Stravinsky’s opera “The Moor” took place here.

Vienna Opera

3. “Vienna Opera” also cannot be ignored. Austria has always been proud of its composers, which is why Mozart's operas are so popular here. The premiere of the entire Wagner cycle “The Ring of the Nibelungs” also took place here.

The Vienna Opera was built in 1869, interior decoration amazes with its luxury and majesty.

At the end of the 19th century this place was the center cultural life Europe. Here, according to tradition, the world-famous “Opera Ball” is still held annually, attracting people from all over the world.

Covent Garden

4. The most famous theater in England - London's Covent Garden. It was founded in 1732. It has been preserved in the form in which it appears now since the last restoration in 1856. It is distinguished by a high level of acting and corresponding fees.

In the 19th century they sang here best performers of that time, such as Malibran, Tamburini, Giulia Grisi.

The building itself is shrouded in mystery and legends about ghosts, so suitable for Foggy Albion. Designed for 2,250 seats.

Metropolitan Opera

5. New York's Metropolitan Opera is the most famous theater in the USA and at the same time the most modern of all those listed here.

It was founded in 1883 and is distinguished by the absence of such luxurious decoration as in other theaters. But many are used here modern technologies, such as a ticker in the back of a chair.

Initially, the Metropolitan Opera liked to stage Wagner. Just like in England, operas are staged here in the original language. Performers' fees here are more modest than in other places, but singing on this stage is still very prestigious.

The hall is large and seats 3,625 people. Interestingly, the theater is not state-owned and is supported by private individuals and donations from companies.

6. In Russia, the Bolshoi Theater can be placed on a par with the above-mentioned theaters. It was founded in 1776, the building where it is now located appeared in 1825.

The premieres of Tchaikovsky’s operas – “Mazeppa”, “The Voevoda”, “Cherevichki” and Rachmaninov – “ Stingy Knight”, “Aleko” and “Francesca da Rimini”, and Rachmaninov acted as conductor.

Visiting troupes from La Scala and the Vienna Opera also perform on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. Designed for 2,155 seats.

7. “Sydney Opera House” is a masterpiece more architectural than theatrical.

This place has become a symbol of Australia, both performances and various shows take place here, there is no usual theatrical design, and the repertoire is not classical. But maybe this is the creators’ idea of ​​the theater of the future, because the Sydney Opera House was built only 37 years ago. By the way, Queen Elizabeth herself opened it.

8. Another non-classical theater is “Broadway”.

It's not a building, it's tradition. Once upon a time, “Broadway Theater” meant that it was one of the small theaters located on the corresponding street in New York, today this concept has a completely different meaning.

I invite actors to Broadway for one or several seasons; there is no permanent company, and the performance is on as long as it is interesting to the public. This is why many are drawn here, because of the diversity. The traditions of the “Broadway Theater” developed about a century ago.

Arena di Verona

9. “Arena di Verona”, this theater has no analogues in the whole world, because it was built during the time of Emperor Augustus in the first century AD. This is an oval Roman amphitheater, and what is most interesting is that it is functioning.

Performances have been staged on this stage for three hundred years, and in Roman times gladiators died here and tournaments were held.

Since 1913, an opera festival has been held here every summer. They stage mainly spectacular productions, such as “Aida”, which opened the first of these festivals, “Turandot”, “Carmen”. Arena di Verona can accommodate up to 16,000 spectators at the same time, which is beyond the capabilities of any classical theater hall.

10. Most major theater South America is the Teatro Colon. It was founded in 1857.

Located in the city of Buenos Aires and can accommodate up to 2,478 people at a time. At the time of construction, the first theater building was the most advanced among opera houses, using gas lighting and special effects devices.

The modern building opened in 1908, in addition to seating for 500-1000 standing people. Russian plays are often staged here, such as “Boris Godunov”, “Sadko”, “Eugene Onegin”.

Bring your best ones out of the closets evening dresses and tuxedos. Autumn is the time for theater premieres! They invite you to their luxurious halls opera houses all over the world: the most famous, the largest and the most beautiful. Whether these virtues are combined in any one temple of art or whether each one distinguished itself in something individually was investigated.


All the relevant canons of style, which are adhered to when building theaters of this kind, were bypassed by the Opera House in Sydney. This is what he became famous for. Moreover, it has become a kind of business card Australia, showing off on postcards, magnets and guidebooks (kangaroos and Tasmanian devils are no longer in trend). Situated on the harbor at Bennelong Point and surrounded on all sides by water, the Sydney Opera House embodies the triumph of human thought in architecture. It also boasts the largest organ and the largest curtain. Since 2007, the theater has been protected by UNESCO. In the list of the largest opera houses in the world, Sydney ranks 15th with a capacity of 1,550 people.


The personification of luxury and grandeur is the Milanese opera house La Scala. Only the best have appeared on its stage: directors and composers, singers and actors. He is the number one point in every excursion in Milan, and that says a lot. The most famous operas of all times, and it was on this stage that such names as Arturo Toscanini, Riccardo Muti, Gavazzeni Gianandrea first sounded. The most beautiful building You can't call it La Scala. External decoration was not given any importance during construction. But in terms of the level of productions and the atmosphere in general, the La Scala opera house has no equal. In terms of the number of seats in auditoriums, it is 5th on the list - 2800.


The ranking of the best opera houses in the world is not complete without the Paris Opera, also known as the Opera Garnier, also known as the Grand Opera. This center of French theatrical culture is considered the standard of eclectic architecture. The interior is no less luxurious than the facade: the large staircase is decorated with white marble, the vault is decorated with frescoes by Isidore Pilz, and the ceiling in the hall is painted by Marc Chagall. The Grand Opera is called one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world, but not the largest (1900 seats).

The times of aristocracy and art for the elite have sunk into oblivion. But the Vienna Opera returns to the old days, sophisticated, sublime and in many ways unsurpassed. The repertoire definitely includes over 60 operas and ballets over 285 days a season. The Vienna State Opera is listed in all existing ratings of similar institutions as one of the most beautiful, most visited and most expensive. Eat available tickets for performances of category B, and for premieres and special events, the cost of tickets is off the charts. Unfortunately, no one will be able to see the original opera building, built in 1869. It was razed to the ground during World War II. But the rebuilt “version” is very beautiful, especially in the evening.

It is gratifying to see the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow among the famous opera houses in the world. And you don’t need to go anywhere to experience true aesthetic pleasure. Just think, this temple of art is almost 250 years old! The best appear on its stage opera singers and dancers, and not only domestic ones. Not long ago, the Bolshoi underwent a grandiose reconstruction involving colossal Money. Consider the scale: 4.5 kg of gold went into gilding the papier-mâché stucco. However, global recognition theater, received without it thanks to its wide repertoire and high level skill. The Bolshoi Theater is also one of the largest. Number of places in auditorium- 2155.The most “capacious” opera house is the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The auditorium has 3,800 seats. For the last 40 years, the Met has been located in the Lincoln Center building, decorated with frescoes by Marc Chagall. A Swarovski chandelier hangs in front of the main staircase leading to the huge hall. They are also proud of the world's largest curtain, embroidered with gold and weighing several hundred kilos.

Among the most beautiful is the Teatro la Fenice in Venice. It is also one of the oldest in Europe. The name already reflects its fate. Like a phoenix, he repeatedly “spread his wings” after the fires, but still retained his “face”: modest on the outside and luxurious on the inside. It was here that the opera La bohème by Ruggero Leoncavallo was first staged in 1897. Interestingly, this theater does not start with a coat rack - there is no wardrobe for the public. La Monnaie, San Carlo, Covent Garden, Athenaeum... There are still so many opera houses in the world that deserve special mention. And he will do it with pleasure.