Los Angeles Opera (LA Opera)

The basics

One of the largest opera companies in the United States, the Los Angeles Opera brings an old-meets-new sensibility to its artistic endeavors. The company pays tribute to the historical legacy of opera with an array of classic repertory pieces each season, including works by Mozart, Verdi, and others; it also strives to introduce audiences to new and little-known works that push creative boundaries.

Located in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, designed by Welton Becket in 1964, the opera company provides an unparalleled cultural immersion. For the best experience, book tickets online to catch a performance.

Things to know before you go

• The Los Angeles Music Center houses restaurants from award-winning French bistros to casual burger bars.

• Pre-show and intermission bar service is available on every floor, and includes drinks and light snacks.

• Wheelchair and handicapped-accessible seats are available at the opera.

• The LA Opera maintains a flexible dress code—choose to strut your stuff in formal wear or dress more casually.

• Don’t worry about attending operas in French, Italian, or other foreign languages—live English-language translations are provided during the show.

How to get there

The LA Opera is headquartered at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in the Los Angeles Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles. If you're using public transportation, take the Red or Purple metro line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station. If you're driving, paid parking is available at the Music Center Garage and the nearby Walt Disney Concert Hall.

When to get there

The LA Opera’s season typically runs from February to December each year. Performance times vary, but it’s recommended to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before showtime; the box office is open from morning to early evening, Monday to Saturday. Note that if you can’t make it to the LA Opera proper, the company also hosts a series of performances in different local venues as part of its Off Grand series.

Cultural highlights in Downtown LA

The Los Angeles Opera is close to many other showstopper attractions in Downtown Los Angeles. The Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil), is just a few blocks away, as is The Broad (one of LA’s newest and most boundary-pushing modern art museums) and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Looking for a bite to eat? Head to Grand Central Market, a neighborhood standout since its opening in 1917.