Royal Opera House [London]
Royal Opera House Covent Garden
Royal Opera House
Theatre building in London, United Kingdom
bouwwerk in Londen
Theatre de Covent Garden
No heritage stage machinery
Covent Garden became an opera house only in 1848. The present building dates from 1858, with many later changes and additions.
Present theatre built 1857-1858 as Royal Italian Opera by Edward M. Barry. Opened 15 May 1858 with Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots. 1892 renamed Royal Opera. 1899-1902 rebuilding of stagehouse by E. O. Sachs. 1939 renamed Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Several minor changes of auditorium from 1955 to 1992. 1982 addition of rehearsal and dressing rooms and conversion of E. M. Barry's 1860 Floral Hall into a foyer by Gollins, Melvin and Ward. 1997-1999 major refurbishment of auditorium, construction of a new stagehouse, addition of new buildings. Floral Hall renamed Vilar Floral Hall in honour of the opera sponsor, Alberto Vilar (re-renamed Floral Hall in 2005). Re-opened 6 Dec 1999 with Verdi's Falstaff. The Royal Opera House is used by the resident Royal Opera and Royal Ballet companies. 2268 seats.