Metropolitan Opera House New York Seating Chart & Photos

Seating Chart

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Metropolitan Opera House Capacity

The Metropolitan Opera House has a capacity of 3767 seats.Use our interactive seating chart to view 16 seat reviews and 16 photos of views from seat.

The Metropolitan Opera House is a huge venue with six seating levels. There are Boxes at either side of the Parterre, Grand Tier, Dress Circle, Balcony and Family Circle, although be aware that sitting in Boxes closest to the stage means restricted views. There are a wide variety of views across the auditorium, depending on where you sit. From the luxurious Parterre, just above the Orchestra, visitors can enjoy private Boxes both facing head-on and along the sides. From the very furthest, highest levels in the Balcony and Family Circle, you can appreciate great acoustics and the experience of world-class opera for less. As a rule, sit as centrally as possible in any section for better acoustics and better views.

Venue Overview

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 above six levels of seating.

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.

Tips

• 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 seating 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

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Good Value Seats

Some of the best value seats at the New York Met Opera are in the center front rows of the three upper levels. The view from seat is not as clear this high up, so you may want to rent binoculars, but the acoustics are very impressive (some would say better than the Orchestra). Cheaper tickets in the center of the Balcony and Family Circle are well worth it if you want to enjoy an opera at this iconic venue and don’t mind missing some of the finer details.

Premium Seats

The center of the Orchestra, about midway back, is optimal for view and acoustics in this section; you will be able to see the performer’s faces quite clearly. The center of the Parterre and Grand Tiers (Rows A - C in particular) offer some of the best views in the Metropolitan Opera House and the Parterre is perfect if you want a luxury Box experience. Their elevated position above the stage is a great balance between sweeping views and excellent acoustics.

Metropolitan Opera House, New York seating Chart