Metropolitan Opera House New York
Metropolitan Opera House Tickets
What’s On at Metropolitan Opera House
The Metropolitan Opera House at the Lincoln Center is one of the most famous opera venues in the world, with an exciting program of classic and contemporary work to discover each year. In 2025-2026, audiences can take their first step into the world of classical opera with some of the biggest shows in the canon - or try a contemporary work from cutting-edge 21st century artists. Productions include The Magic Flute: Holiday Presentation for families, the new Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay opera, and the classic romantic tragedy La Boheme. These are all perfect for newcomers to the genre, and are some of the most popular for fans as well. Other shows at the Met this season cover all sorts of stories and genres, so why not book tickets for something different this year!
About the Metropolitan Opera House
The Metropolitan Opera House, New York is the largest repertory opera house in the world and a hub for international talent. This remarkable venue has been the home of the New York Metropolitan Opera since September 1966, when it was purpose-built for the company as part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
A new home for the Met Opera had been planned for decades after its original home, the 1883 Metropolitan Opera House on Broadway and 39th, became ill-suited to the company’s ever-expanding needs.
Designed by Wallace K. Harrison, the Metropolitan Opera House has a striking arched exterior looking out over Lincoln Center Plaza. Inside, a white and red-carpeted staircase ascends from the lobby to the bars, restaurant and auditorium, where a gold-leaf covered ceiling is a breath-taking centerpiece.
The Met Opera’s world-leading technical facilities have allowed landmark productions including Franco Zeffirelli's 1981 La bohème to be enjoyed by New York audiences. It has even hosted rock concerts from the likes of Paul McCartney and The Who. With ground-breaking work from both its namesake company and the American Ballet Theatre gracing the stage, this iconic venue inspires thousands of visitors every year.
Know Before You Go
- Coat check is $3 per item on the South Concourse
- Binoculars available to rent for $5 and ID deposit
- Seat cushions available to rent with an ID deposit
- Parterre Boxes have individual coat check
- Bars and restrooms are on every level. Additional ladies' restrooms on the Family Circle and Founders Hall levels
- Book pre-theater dining at The Grand Tier Restaurant online or by phone: 212-799-3400
Map and Address
30 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023
The Metropolitan Opera House is located on the Lincoln Center Plaza, in the heart of the Lincoln Center theater complex. Sitting between West 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, the Lincoln Center is a well-connected arts hub with plenty to explore, and a fantastic location for reaching the bright lights of nearby Broadway and Times Square. The wider Lincoln Square neighborhood is a vibrant cosmopolitan area with cafes, restaurants, shops and free entertainment to enjoy before your visit to the opera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Metropolitan Opera House box office open, and how do I collect tickets?
Tickets are usually sent via email, but the box office lobby is open Monday – Saturday, 10am to 6pm ET. The in-person box office is closed on Sundays. The box office for collection is located at the North Entrance. To collect tickets, please bring your order reference number along with photo identification or the credit card used to make the purchase.
What time does the Metropolitan Opera House open for a show?
Doors open approximate 45 minutes ahead of the advertised show start time during Opera seasons, and approximately 30 minutes ahead of curtain up during Ballet seasons.
Is there a dress code for the Metropolitan Opera House?
There is no official dress code at the Met - although a night at the opera is always an excellent excuse to dress up. For those who don’t wish to dress formally, The Met recommend comfortable, smart-casual clothing.
For Gala performances or new openings, audience members do tend to dress more formally, but this is optional.
Does the Metropolitan Opera House have a coat check?
Coat Check is available on the South side of the Concourse level. The cost is $5.00 per item and from January 2025 payment for coat check is by card only. The Met kindly request that patrons do not bring bags, parcels or luggage to the Opera House.
For patrons using the Grand Tier Restaurant Guests, coats can be checked near the restaurant from 2 hours prior to the show start time. Coats checked at the restaurant can be collected from the main Coat Check post-show. Guests for the Parterre level may store coats in the anteroom near their seats.
Complimentary coat check is available for Members of the Metropolitan Opera Patron Program, located in the lobby of List Hall.
Are there cushions available at the Metropolitan Opera House?
Seat cushions are available at the coat check on the South Concourse level. Cushions are free of charge, however patrons must leave a photo ID as a security deposit.
What food and drink are available at the Metropolitan Opera House?
For light refreshment, The Grand Tier Bar is a full service bar offering snacks and drinks, and opens two hours ahead of curtain up. Drinks are also available at the Orchestra Bar, or Family Circle Bar. Drinks can also be pre-ordered to avoid waiting in line.
Can I bring food and drink into the Metropolitan Opera House?
Outside food is not permitted at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Where should I eat near the Metropolitan Opera House?
The Metropolitan Opera house has its own in-house restaurant, The Grand Tier Restaurant, available for pre-show dining, which opens 2 hours prior to the show start time. There are also plenty of outside dining options available just a few blocks away from the Opera House.
What is the best hotel to stay at near the Metropolitan Opera House?
Hotels near the Metropolitan Opera House include The Empire Hotel, The Philips Club and the Five-Star Mandarin Oriental. For a budget option, there is also the West Side YMCA Lodging overlooking Central Park.
How do I contact the the Metropolitan Opera House box office?
The box office can be visited in person during the opening hours above, or contacted via telephone on 212.362.6000. On performance days, the telephone opening times are Monday – Saturday, 10am until curtain up, and Sundays from noon to 6pm ET.
When there is no performance, telephone opening times are Monday – Saturday noon to 6pm ET.
If you require foreign language assistance, please call the above number and let the box office know you would like to speak with a translator. Assistance is available in more than 140 languages.
