The Metropolitan Opera

The Basics

The Metropolitan Opera, a landmark institution and cultural hub in the city, is housed at the Lincoln Center for the Arts on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The performance hall contains 3,800 seats within 6 seating tiers, and features a scalloped ceiling covered in 23-karat gold leaf as well as star-shaped crystal chandeliers that ascend just before each performance.

The Met offers tours during the performance season, September to May, on weekdays at 3pm and Sundays at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Visitors receive exclusive access to areas not available to the general public, and learn little-known facts about the building’s architecture, chandeliers, elegant staircases, and murals by renowned artist Marc Chagall.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Met is a must-see for opera, performing arts, and architecture enthusiasts.

• Grand Tier restaurant is open nightly from 5:30pm. Bars, located on every level, are open during intermissions.

• The Met does not have a dress code, but performances are a fun excuse to get dressed up.

• Every seat comes with a small screen that provides subtitles in multiple languages.

• The building and performance hall are accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Metropolitan Opera is located in Lincoln Center, on Broadway between 62nd and 65th streets. It’s a cinch to ride the subway there: take the 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center, where there’s convenient underground access to the opera house. The Met is also an 8-minute walk from Columbus Circle, accessible via the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, and 3 trains.

When to Get There

From September to May, opera performances are typically held on most weekdays and Sundays in the evening, and on Saturdays at midday and in the evening. Check online for the current schedule. Formal events, including the New Year’s Eve gala, are held throughout the year and often take place on stage.

It’s Never Too Late

If you want to tack a trip to the opera onto your New York City itinerary but haven’t purchased tickets, you’re in luck: “rush tickets” are available in limited quantities online. Tickets go on sale at 12pm during the week and 2pm for Saturday evening shows. Make sure to hop on online quick, as these coveted tickets often sell out within minutes.

Ways to explore

The Metropolitan Opera seats around 3,800 across six levels. The hall features a scalloped ceiling covered in 23-karat gold leaf as well as star-shaped crystal chandeliers that ascend before each performance.

The Met offers behind-the-scenes tours in the opera season, September to May. These tours provide access to areas not typically available to the general public, including rehearsal rooms and carpentry workshops, as well as insights into the building’s architecture and murals by Marc Chagall. Even if you can’t attend a performance or take a tour, you can see the elegant building on an Upper West Side walking tour.

Accessibility

The Metropolitan Opera is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None, although some productions may not be suitable for young children.

What to pack

Binoculars (available to rent), seat cushions (available to borrow for free)

What to wear

While the Met has no official dress code, a night at the opera is a great excuse to dress up—you might even end up on the Met’s curated fashion Instagram account.

Not allowed

Do not photograph or record performances (you can snap stage photos during intermission) or use your phone during a performance.

Amenities

Bar, restaurant, telephones, restrooms, gift store, Wi-Fi

Address

The Metropolitan Opera is housed at the Lincoln Center for the Arts on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Driving

While you could drive to the Met, navigating Manhattan traffic and finding parking will likely put a damper on your experience. Hail a cab or book a rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

Take the 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center, where there’s underground access to the opera house. The Met is also an 8-minute walk from Columbus Circle, accessible via the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, and 3 trains.

Best times to visit

If you have tickets for a performance, arrive around an hour early to enjoy the building, take in the view from the balcony, and have a drink before taking your seat. Otherwise, aim to pass by the building when it is lit up after dark.

Best days to visit

On Sundays (during the September–early June opera season), the Met typically offers two tours.

Best months to visit

September through early June (the Met’s opera season); Summer for performances by the American Ballet Theater

Special events

Special events take place throughout the year, but the Opening Night Gala is the most prestigious see-and-be-seen red-carpet affair.