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Architecture Tour

10 March15 May 2025

Architecture Tour

10 March15 May 2025

Architecture Tour

10 March15 May 2025
Royal Opera House
Tours

Learn about the architecture of our world-famous Victorian theatre and its transformation over the centuries.

The Bridge of Aspiration linking the Royal Opera House and the Royal Ballet School

Learn about the architecture of our world-famous Victorian theatre and its transformation over the centuries.

Running time
The tour will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Guidance
Suitable for ages 12+
#royaloperahouse
Please note

This tour does not enter the backstage areas of the Royal Opera House. Access to the main auditorium is not guaranteed.

Private tours

Looking to have this tour all to your yourself as private experience for you and your group? Or perhaps you need this tour run in a different language? We can offer bespoke private tours. Send your requirements to tours@roh.org.uk.

Shop

Your tour ticket entitles you to 10% off at ROH Shop and café on the day of your tour. Simply present your ticket at the checkout.

Background

Explore the architectural evolution of the Royal Opera House, tracing its remarkable transformation through the ages. Discover the layers and years of development as you explore our public spaces, stages and backstage areas. You will discover how classical architecture interacts in a digital era and how the Royal Opera House has expanded and changed while retaining its original grandeur.  

Learn about the architectural process of set design, from concept to actualisation on stage and what it takes to make fantastic set pieces. Enjoy a photo opportunity on the famous 'Bridge of Aspiration' that connects The Royal Ballet School and the Royal Opera House. The building itself tells its 300 year story. Come and discover how the historic and the contemporary connect seamlessly to create an epic urban set piece which is as exhilarating as the action taking place on stage.

‎‏‏—
The meeting point for this tour is the Ground Floor cloakroom of the Royal Opera House. This tour is available all year round. New dates are added on a rolling basis. Please check back in the coming months for updated availability.

Find out more important information about your tour.  

As the Royal Opera House is a working theatre each tour provides a unique experience and content may vary according to what spaces are available on the day.  

Important information about your tour  

  • Latecomers will not be admitted.
  • We may be using headsets on our tours, so you don’t miss any important information from our guides. All equipment is fully sanitised after each tour. You can use your own headphones if you wish. Please note headphones need to have a standard jack connection to be used with our devices.  
  • Contact-free bag checks will be in operation when you enter the building.   

Find out more about our safety measures. 

The view towards the Main Entrance Foyer from within the Royal Opera House café

Accessibility

The Royal Opera House is a large building with long corridors and many stairs. You are required to walk distances and stand for the duration of the tour. Where possible, we can facilitate stops in the tour where you can sit. This cannot be guaranteed.

All tours are fully accessible to wheelchair users, those with reduced mobility or other disabilities. To have the right support in place for you, please contact boxoffice.access@roh.org.uk after booking so we can deliver the necessary access arrangements for your visit.

Antonio Pappano in rehearsal for Live from Covent Garden, 13 June 2020 ©2020 ROH. Photograph by Lara Cappelli

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Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)