1. La Scala Opera House
Located in Milan, Italy, La Scala is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, known for its ornate architecture and rich history spanning over 250 years. The opera house has hosted some of the most renowned operas and performances by legendary artists like Luciano Pavarotti and Maria Callas. It has a seating capacity of around 2,000 spectators and is considered one of the premier music venues in Italy. La Scala Opera House was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.
2. Metropolitan Opera House
Situated in New York City, USA, the Metropolitan Opera House is often regarded as the "House That Wagner Built," named after its long-time patron Richard Wagner. The opera house features an impressive Beaux-Arts design with stunning architecture and ornate details. With a seating capacity of over 3,800 spectators, it hosts some of the world's most prestigious operas and performances each year. Since its opening in 1883, the Met has been home to many legendary vocalists.
3. Teatro alla Scala
This opera house in Milan, Italy, is renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history dating back to 1776. The grand building features an imposing façade and ornate decorations throughout, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers. With over 2 million visitors per year, the Teatro alla Scala Opera House is one of the most popular cultural institutions in Italy. It hosts around 400 performances annually.
4. Palais Garnier
Located in Paris, France, the Palais Garnier is an opulent and iconic opera house famous for its grandiose design and rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The stunning building features intricate carvings and gilded details throughout its interior. With a seating capacity of over 1,800 spectators, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts each year. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.
5. Royal Opera House
Situated in London, England, the Royal Opera House is known for its stunning architecture and rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The building features an impressive façade and ornate details throughout its interior. With around 3,000 spectators seated at each performance, it hosts some of the world's most esteemed operas and performances annually. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.
6. Wiener Staatsoper
Located in Vienna, Austria, the Wiener Staatsoper is one of the oldest continuously operating opera houses in the world, established in 1741. The stunning building features an impressive baroque design and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 1 million visitors per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
7. San Carlo Opera House
Situated in Naples, Italy, the San Carlo Opera House is one of the oldest continuously operating opera houses in Europe, established in 1584. The historic building features an impressive façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 700 spectators seated at each performance, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.
8. Paris Opera
Located in Paris, France, the Paris Opera is one of the most famous opera houses in Europe, established in 1663. The stunning building features a grandiose façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 2 million visitors per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
9. Teatro Colón
This opera house in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The stunning building features an imposing façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 1 million visitors per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.
10. Deutsche Oper
Located in Berlin, Germany, the Deutsche Oper is one of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe, established in 1882. The building features an impressive façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With around 1,800 spectators seated at each performance, it hosts many operas and performances annually.
11. Teatro alla Fenice
Situated in Venice, Italy, the Teatro alla Fenice is one of the oldest continuously operating opera houses in Europe, established in 1792. The historic building features an impressive façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 1 million visitors per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.
12. National Theatre Opera House
Located in Prague, Czech Republic, the National Theatre Opera House is one of the oldest continuously operating opera houses in Europe, established in 1882. The stunning building features an impressive baroque design and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 700 spectators seated at each performance, it hosts many operas and performances annually.
13. Teatro Real
Situated in Madrid, Spain, the Teatro Real is one of the oldest continuously operating opera houses in Europe, established in 1839. The grand building features an imposing façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 1 million visitors per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.
14. Opéra Bastille
Located in Paris, France, the Opéra Bastille is one of the most famous opera houses in Europe, established in 1875. The stunning building features an impressive façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 1 million visitors per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.
15. La Fenice Opera House
This opera house in Venice, Italy, is renowned for its rich history dating back to the late 18th century. The stunning building features an impressive façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 1 million visitors per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.
16. Royal Albert Hall
Located in London, England, the Royal Albert Hall is one of the world's most famous concert halls and opera houses, established in 1871. The stunning building features a grandiose façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 3,500 spectators seated at each performance, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.
17. Metropolitan Opera Studio
This is an annex of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, USA, established in 1921 as a training facility for young opera singers. The studio features intimate performances and workshops with renowned artists. With over 100 performances per year, it provides valuable experience for aspiring vocalists.
18. Palacio de Bellas Artes
Located in Mexico City, Mexico, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is an art nouveau-style opera house established in 1904. The stunning building features a grandiose façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 200 performances per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts.
19. Sydney Opera House
Situated in Sydney, Australia, the Sydney Opera House is an iconic performing arts center established in 1973. The stunning building features a unique sail-like design and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 1 million visitors per year, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.
20. Teatro Nacional
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Teatro Nacional is one of the oldest continuously operating opera houses in South America, established in 1850. The historic building features an impressive façade and ornate decorations throughout its interior. With over 500 spectators seated at each performance, it hosts many operas, ballets, and concerts annually.