13 Most Beautiful Opera Houses Around the World

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth, Germany
Photo source: Fragen war die Hauptsache

The beauty of opera is only matched by the places in which it’s performed. These grandiose settings fuse fine art with architecture into one stunning cultural center. For centuries, these places have been at the height of society, showcasing the talents of countless performers and musicians. When not filled with people, however, the opera houses stand on their own as breathtaking institutions. As photography demonstrates, the design—including ornamental gilding, balustrades, and chandeliers—is even more stunning when the seats and stage are completely empty.

Many of the opera houses seen here were built long ago. The Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth, Germany was constructed between 1746 and 1750. Boasting a hand-painted wooden roof, the well-preserved Baroque design is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other halls, like the contemporary Harbin Opera House in Harbin, China, have a modern spin. Created by the Beijing-based studio MAD, it strays from tradition and features one undulating form that wraps around two concert halls and a public plaza. Although it has a minimalist feel, Harbin's interior still takes a cue from older opera houses with balconies that seemingly ripple in and out of the space.

As times continue to change, so does the function of these iconic spaces. Often, they host a variety of shows (aside from operas), and their historic decor provides a beautiful juxtaposition between the past and present.

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Palais Garnier in Paris, France
Photo credit: David Leventi
Read more: The Beauty and Grandeur of Opera Houses Around the World

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia
Photo credit: David Leventi

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Harbin Opera House in Harbin, China
Photo credit: Hufton + Crow

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia
Photo credit: Sydney Opera House

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, New York
Photo credit: Jonathan Tichler

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Oslo Opera House in Oslo, Norway
Photo credit: Erik Berg

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Estates Theatre in Prague, Czech Republic
Photo credit: Estate Theatre

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Drottningholms Slottsteater in Stockholm, Sweden
Photo credit: Drottningholms Slottsteater

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Vienna State Opera in Wien, Austria
Photo credit: Michael Poehn

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona, Spain
Photo credit: David Leventi

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

La Fenice Theatre in Venice, Italy
Photo credit: Paul and Helen Woodford

The Most Beautiful Opera Houses from Around the World

Opéra Garnier in Paris, France
Photo credit: A.G. photographe

From these photos, it's clear—time to go on a world tour of opera houses!

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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