The most beautiful opera houses in the world. Trips

Since the beginning of human civilization, theater has served as the main source of entertainment. Nowadays, theater and opera performances have not lost any of their popularity and significance, and thousands of people around the world visit theaters every day and enjoy this wonderful art form.

The building of any theater is a unique world with its own history, traditions and secrets. Let's talk about those that are known throughout the world.

Teatro La Scala is rightfully the most famous theater in the world. And most of all it is associated with opera, although dramatic performances and ballet also occupy a significant place in the repertoire.

La Scala, photo Rudiger Wolk

It was built in 1778. The horseshoe-shaped hall has five tiers of boxes. Works by famous composers Bellini, Rossini, Donizetti, and Verdi were performed on the stage of La Scala. The theater is famous for its impeccable acoustics.

Many people associate Australia with the building of the Opera House in Sydney. It is easily recognizable and is one of the main attractions of the country. This is perhaps one of the most iconic theaters of our time.

Sydney Opera House, photo Shannon Hobbs

The opening took place in 1973. During construction, the main emphasis was on acoustics and visibility. That is why every theater viewer feels as if he has purchased a ticket to the best place in the hall.

The theater building became home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Theater Company, Australian Ballet and Australian Opera. More than 1,500 performances take place here annually.

3. Bolshoi Theater

The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow is one of the leading theaters in Russia and around the world. Together with the best symphony orchestra he survived fire, war and revolution.

Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, photo jimmyweee

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a statue of Apollo in a chariot, anticipating the grandiose performances taking place in the theater. Has great fame ballet troupe theater Yuri Grigorovich staged the legendary " Swan Lake" and "Golden Age". The Bolshoi was opened after a large-scale reconstruction in 2011.

4. Vienna State Opera

Built in 1869, the theater has long had a reputation as a center musical life Vienna and all of Austria.

Vienna State Opera, photo JP

During World War II, the building was bombed and almost destroyed. The staircase and some other parts were miraculously preserved. It was restored only in 1955. Today it continues to be one of the world's main opera venues. Traditional balls are held annually under the vaults of the Vienna Opera.

The Palace of Catalan Music is located in. The building was officially opened in 1908 and almost immediately became a symbol of the city. The magnificent glass ceiling, rich paintings, stained glass windows and sculptures turned it into a real work of art. This is one of the few theaters included in the list cultural heritage UNESCO.

Palau de la Musica Catalana, photo Jiuguang Wang

The palace is one of the main theater and music venues in Barcelona, ​​where many world celebrities perform. Important international meetings and conferences are also held here, and excursions are organized for tourists.

Theater Les Celestins is the main art center of the city of Lyon in France. This is an opera house that is suitable for grand performances and can accommodate over 1000 people. The horseshoe-shaped hall is divided into several levels, so even spectators sitting far from the stage can see and hear everything well. The interior is designed in a royal style using red and gold tones. The outside of the building is more austere and decorated with statues.

Les Celestins in Lyon, photo Mirej

For more than two centuries, Les Celestins has been staged best plays, operas, dramatic performances and concerts.

Covent Garden Theater is well known throughout the world. Its stage hosts productions of the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet. World stars have performed in this majestic building. classical music, starting in 1858.

Royal Opera House Convent Garden, photo

Previously, it was possible to enter the theater only before the start of the performance if you had a ticket. Today you can explore it by taking a short excursion.

Another famous world stage is Musical Theatre Metropolitan Opera on Broadway in New York. This best theater. Celebrities such as Enrico Caruso and Placido Domingo played leading roles here.

The Metropolitan Opera House, photo Blehgoaway

The Met puts on more than two hundred performances each year. From time to time they are broadcast on television and radio.

9. Odeon of Herodes Atticus

If you want to visit a theater that is as old as art itself, head to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in . This is a classic ancient amphitheater built in 161 AD. e. There was originally a roof over it, but it was destroyed.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, photo Yucatan

The theater seats 5,000 people and still hosts plays, ballets and other events on its stage. Even Elton John gave his concert at the Odeon.

10. Chicago Theater

The Chicago Theater was built in 1921 during what is known as the "Golden Age of Entertainment" and was the first luxury theater of its kind to house movies, musicals and shows. Gradually he became business card Chicago. Today, Chicago theater is a mixture of different genres and styles, from plays and comedies to dance shows and pop concerts.

The Chicago Theatre, photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

There is more in the world great amount theaters, each of which is worthy of attention. During your travels around cities and countries, be sure to visit theaters, and it doesn’t matter whether they are famous throughout the world or known only in small town. In any case, you will get a unique opportunity to touch wonderful world theatrical arts.

No matter what the fans say modern technologies, films will never replace theater. Musicals will never be as entertaining and exciting as opera or ballet. The most brilliant performance of a film actor cannot be compared with the live performance and improvisation of a theater actor.

But beyond the action itself, theaters are often stunning just for the view. So let's admire the most beautiful theaters in the world. Well, we dream of visiting there someday.

1. Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, ​​Spain

Fabulous concert hall was built by Luis Domenech i Montaner. This theater is the only one in the world concert hall with natural light. The incredible glass mosaic that makes up the dome of the ceiling literally fascinates with its colorfulness.

2. Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto, Canada

Thomas Lamb's incredible botanical imagination simply leaves you looking at nothing else! We can’t even imagine how people watch performances in this theater. We bet you too would be looking at the leaves, flowers and lanterns hanging from the ceiling rather than watching a show.

3. Minack Theatre, Cornwall, England

The theater is the brainchild of amateur Rowena Cade, who designed it at the end of her garden to display goods for sale to local residents.

4. Wuxi Grand Theatre, China

This theater is one of the key cultural projects China. It stands on the southern shore of the lake, and its reflection in the water creates an unusual and fascinating view. Perhaps its interior is not as impressive as the interior of previous theaters, but appearance The theater is clearly one of the best in the world.

5. Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, ​​Spain


This opera house has existed since 1847. A similar interior can be found in our operas ( National Opera Ukraine, for example), but the facade of the building is simply stunning!

6. Boston Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts

One of the most famous theaters in the world, and one of the most pompous, if we talk about the interior. It was one of the first in America to show vaudeville and became the first theater to show films.

7. Guangzhou Opera House, China


Incredible theater! It feels like you're sitting under some creamy sky with bright stars On him. I want to literally bury myself in the softness of this interior and stay there forever.

8. The Seebühne, Austria

Have you ever seen a floating theater? Amazing sight! It seems to us that performances are not even needed here. You can just come and enjoy this magnificent view.

9. Gran Teatro La Fenice, Venice, Italy

The theater, located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is in no way inferior to its city in beauty. The history of the theater dates back to 1789, when it was necessary to replace the main opera house that burned to the ground.

10. Copenhagen Opera House, Copenhagen, Denmark

Just imagine what it’s like to see such splendor from the stage. It seems that all the excitement should disappear the moment the actor comes out to the viewer. It's breathtaking!

Lovers of art and ballet often wonder what opera houses known to the world? How are they different from each other and what is the history of their construction? Every country has a theater, but not everyone is recognized as the best among others.

List of opera houses in the world

Art has been valued by people since ancient times. Opera and ballet are something incredibly beautiful, carrying grace and chic. Among the most popular in the world art connoisseurs highlight the following:

  • Estates Theater in Prague;
  • La Scala in Milan;
  • "San Carlo" in Naples;
  • Odessa Theater in Ukraine;
  • "Grand Opera" in Paris;
  • in Vienna;
  • Covent Garden in London;
  • Gran Teatro Liceo in Barcelona;
  • Metropolitan Opera in New York;
  • Sydney Opera House;
  • Novosibirsk in Russia.

Every country has a place where you can plunge into the world of art. or operettas - this is a special room that is imbued with the spirit of talented people.

La Scala in Milan

Tetra was discovered in 1778. Art lovers consider it the most beautiful and graceful. This unusual name it received because it was built on the site of an old church.

During World War II, the structure was completely destroyed, but was later restored.

The theater is notable for the fact that it seats more than two thousand spectators, and the depth of the stage is 30 meters. Interestingly, the scenery changes using a complex system with manual mechanisms.

Tickets to La Scala can cost up to $2,000. There is a dress code upon entry which includes black evening wear.

"San Carlo" in Naples

This theater is the largest in Europe. Its opening took place in 1737. The hall is designed for more than 3 thousand spectators.

Its history is remembered for the fact that it was rebuilt after a fire in 1817, after which it became even more luxurious. The chic decoration and interior make it one of the best opera houses in the world.

Visitors to the San Carlo in Naples say that the interior design leaves a lasting impression. The theater hosts the most famous productions.

Covent Garden in London

Being one of the best opera houses in the world, it is, according to visitors, one of the most vibrant and unusual. Covent Garden was founded in 1946. It is a royal theater, so only the best actors play in it.

Art lovers come to London to see opera or ballet on a beautiful stage. Tickets to the theater cost no more than £200, and most performances are in English.

Grand Opera in Paris

The world's famous opera houses are distinguished from others by their grace, decoration and incredible beauty. This is exactly what the Grand Opera in Paris is like.

Its opening took place in 1669. The hall seats 1900 spectators. The theater is considered the most beautiful. It is distinguished by unusual facades, complemented by arches, sculptures and frescoes.

There have been performances in the history of the theater. According to statistics, this is the most visited stage in the whole world. The theater is the center cultural life France.

Odessa Theater in Ukraine

It was first built in 1810, and then completely burned down. The restoration took place only 11 years after the fire, when the architects decided to create an unusual building with a domed roof. The history of opera houses around the world is varied and amazing. The Odessa Theater is no exception.

Its appearance and decoration give it the right to be called one of the most beautiful and famous operas ny theaters of the world. The main decoration is the painted ceilings and a large crystal chandelier.

The atmosphere of the room allows each guest to feel like an aristocrat and plunge Magic world. Having visited this place, you want to come back again to completely immerse yourself in the world of art.

Vienna State Opera House

Royal style, rich interior and special charm distinguish the opera in the city of Vienna. The theater is imbued with the life and music of Mozart. The unusually beautiful facade, made in the neo-Renaissance style, will not leave any visitor indifferent.

Despite having a capacity of only 1,313 spectators, it remains one of the most famous opera and ballet theaters in the world.

Interestingly, every spring it hosts the Viennese Ball. This is a beautiful and magnificent event, where ladies and gentlemen seem to be transported back to old times.

Gran Teatro Liceu in Barcelona

The building was built in 1847 and accommodates more than 2 thousand visitors. Although a fire destroyed most of the tetra in 1994, it was restored thanks to the original drawings.

Performances in it take place according to classical works, and according to more modern ones. Interestingly, opera lovers come from all over the world to visit this beautiful theater.

Home distinctive feature The hall contains chairs for spectators, which are made of cast iron and upholstered in bright red velvet. The walls are decorated with lamps in the shape of a dragon.

Estates Theater in Prague

It was opened in 1783 and accommodates 1,200 visitors. It is the only theater building in Europe that has survived since its construction.

At the entrance there is a remarkable sculpture “Commander”, created based on Mozart’s opera of the same name. It looks like a black cloak and represents creativity.

Performances in the theater are performed in several languages: Czech, German, Italian. The repertoire is quite diverse and can please every viewer.

Sydney Opera House

Its building is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Built in the expressionist style, it differs from the others in that the roof is made in the shape of a sail.

The opening of the theater was performed by Elizabeth II. The building took more than 14 years to construct, and more than $7 million was spent on it.

Theater productions are considered masterpieces. It is divided into two halls, each of which is designed with special chic and grace. The ceilings of each are improved to reflect sound and make it more enjoyable for the listener.

Metropolitan Opera in New York

This theater in the USA is the most famous and visited. It does not have luxurious decorations or expensive decorations, but it is equipped with modern technology to make the show even more exciting.

It is believed that singing in this theater is very prestigious, despite the modest fees.

The hall accommodates more than 3.5 thousand people. What is noteworthy is that the theater is not government building and is supported by donations and private individuals. This makes it even more valuable to viewers.

and ballet

The building is the largest in Russia. Its area is more than 40 thousand square meters. The theater is equipped with modern technology and designed with special charm. Due to its size, it was given a second name - “Siberian Colosseum”.

In Russia this is one of the most large-scale buildings theater and art. Its roof is designed like a large dome, which also makes it unique and interesting.

From an engineering point of view, the building is a complex structure. Viewers consider him unique and inimitable.

The most famous opera houses in the world differ from others in that they carry a special charm. Every country has a place where productions and performances take place. Opera and ballet are one of the most important productions that convey works to the audience famous writers and composers. The scale with which the action takes place on stage allows the viewer to feel the emotions of the actors and singers.

The ancient Greeks, playing mysteries in honor of the god Dionysus, did not suspect that they were becoming the founders of a new art. The names of Euripides, Sophocles and Aristophanes - fathers ancient Greek theater- are known to any educated person these days, and some of their plays do not leave the theater stage even in the age of digital technology. Speaking about theatrical stages, it should be noted that amphitheaters, which appeared in the era of antiquity, were completely “forgotten” in the Middle Ages, when theatrical performances were held in churches or right on market squares.

TO XVI century The situation in Europe is changing: the first theaters are being built to entertain the public. Today there are “temples of Melpomene” in every country, and some of them have acquired well-deserved world fame.

Covent Garden, London. Covent Garden is an area of ​​the British capital that gave its name to the theater built here. Its opening took place in December 1732, and almost immediately the theater became one of the best in London. Two years later, in addition to dramatic performances, a ballet and opera by George Handel, who held the position at that time, was staged in Covent Garden music director theater Covent Garden burned twice, in 1808 and 1856, and the current theater building, built in 1858, was completely reconstructed in the 1990s. Many famous people have performed and continue to perform on its stage. opera singers, and Covent Garden itself is famous for the fact that, unlike many other theaters, here you can listen to operas in the original language.

La Scala, Milan. The fact that the list of the most famous theaters in the world includes the Italian La Scala should not come as a surprise. Theaters on the Apennine Peninsula existed back in the days of the Roman Empire, and even today opera art originates in Renaissance Italy. Teatro La Scala opened in 1778 with the production of the opera “Europe Recognized.” Its author was Antonio Salieri - famous hero Pushkin's poem and at one time quite a popular composer. Since then, La Scala has hosted the premieres of many operas. Italian composers world-famous, such as Puccini, Bellini, Verdi and Rossini. In 2004, after a three-year reconstruction, the theater season on the renovated stage opened, as many years ago, with Salieri’s opera “Europe Recognized.” By the way, it is La Scala Theater that bears the title of the most famous theater in the world according to the Samogo.Net portal.

Grand Opera, Paris. Without a doubt this is the most famous theater France, whose history begins in 1669, when the composer Cambert and the poet Perrin, with the consent of King Louis XIV, founded the opera house in Paris. Over the centuries, the French Melpomene changed its name and location several times until it finally “settled” in the IX arrondissement of the capital in a building designed by the architect Charles Garnier in 1875. On the stage of the Grand Opera in different time There were productions of Italian, French and German composers, the premiere of the opera “The Mavra” by the Russian composer I. Stravinsky took place here. Nowadays the Grand Opera Theater is called the Palais Garnier and remains one of the most visited theaters in the world.

Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow. On March 26, 1776, Catherine the Great granted Prince P. Urusov the privilege of maintaining performances and other entertainment for the next ten years. Traditionally, this date is considered a “birthday” Bolshoi Theater. The composition of the first troupe was quite diverse - from serf actors to foreign celebrities. The building for the theater was built in 1780 on the banks of the Neglinka; its repertoire consisted mainly of ballets and comic operas by Italian and Russian authors. In 1825, the theater troupe moved to a new building, the acoustic properties of which were considered at that time one of the best in the world. Many premieres of famous operas took place on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, for example “Cherevichek” and “Mazeppa” by P. Tchaikovsky or “Aleko” and “ The Stingy Knight» S. Rachmaninov. The Bolshoi Theater has repeatedly hosted the troupes of its “colleagues” – Milan’s La Scala Theater and the Vienna Opera.

Vienna Opera, Austria. The fact that the Vienna Opera House is one of the best in the world is quite logical, since Austria is the birthplace of many famous composers. The opening of the current theater building took place in May 1869 with Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. Although the theater, built in the neo-Renaissance style, was initially subjected to merciless criticism, over time the architectural embodiment of the Vienna Opera received recognition, and to this day this theater is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The building, partially destroyed during the Second World War, was restored and inaugurated in 1955 with Beethoven's opera Fidelio. No theater in the world can compare with Vienna Opera by the number of performances: every year at least 60 operas are staged here, which theater lovers can enjoy 285 days a year. Another fact worthy of mention is the annual “Opera Ball”, which attracts a huge number of both participants and spectators.

Metropolitan Opera, New York. The youngest of the luminaries of theatrical art. Its opening took place in 1883 with the opera “Faust” by C. Gounod. Surprisingly, from the day of its foundation and for more than a hundred years, the theater exists exclusively at the expense of private individuals and companies. The Metropolitan Opera moved to Lincoln Center in Manhattan in 1966. The theater building is certainly inferior to its European counterparts in luxury interior decoration, but is confidently leading in the use of modern technologies. Performances at the Metropolitan Opera are staged daily for seven months, and in July the troupe gives free performances in city parks, which attract huge numbers of spectators. Outstanding singers of their time sang on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera at different times: Fyodor Chaliapin, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Galina Vishnevskaya, Elena Obraztsova, Dmitry Hvorostovsky and many others.

How wrong were those who believed: with the advent of cinema, and later television, theater, as separate species art will disappear into oblivion. Time has refuted such forecasts - the meaning of the word “sold out” is well known to many theaters around the world even today.

Among music lovers there are fans of an ancient, but very interesting manifestation of it - opera. But even if you are indifferent to opera music You will most likely be amazed by the beauty of her abode - the opera house. This top 10 most beautiful opera houses in the world will tell you about the amazing buildings and “guide” you through the luxurious halls.

10 Theater Royal, Covent Garden

Theater Royal, Covent Garden located in London, UK. Opera and ballet performances take place in this theater. It is home to the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet. Modern building theater is the third building that was built on that site. It was erected in 1858, after which it was reconstructed at the end of the twentieth century. The hall can accommodate 2268 spectators.

9 Sydney Opera House


Sydney Opera House is located in Sydney, Australia. This theater was built in architectural style expressionism. The roof of the building is made up of shells that look like sails. Thanks to them, this opera house looks special. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Sydney, and perhaps Australia in general. Construction of the Sydney Opera House began in 1959 and was completed in 1973.

8 Opera Royal de Versailles


Royal Opera of Versailles is operatic and drama theater, located in the palace and park ensemble of the Palace of Versailles, in the city of Versailles, in France. Of particular interest is the fact that the theater premises were built entirely of wood, and then covered with paintings reminiscent of marble. Construction was completed in 1770. The hall can accommodate from 712 to 1200 spectators. This theater has earned admiration for its size: it is the largest palace theater in the world.

7 Gran Teatro del Liceo


Grand Opera House "Liseu" is located in Barcelona, ​​Spain. It was opened in 1847. The auditorium has an area of ​​360 square meters and can accommodate 2,292 spectators. Thanks to this, this theater is one of the largest opera houses in Europe.

6 Teatro di San Carlo


Opera House San Carlo is located in Naples, Italy. This opera house is the oldest in Europe. Its opening took place on November 4, 1737. The theater can accommodate 3,300 people. The majestic interior of the theater, combined with acoustic perfection, allows the viewer to experience visual and auditory delight during the opera.

5 Estates Theater


This opera house is located in Prague, Czech Republic. It was built in the classicist style in 1783. The construction of the theater was ordered by Count Franz Anton (Frantishek Antonin) Nostitz-Rinek. Nowadays, a typical part of the theater's repertoire consists of works by Mozart.

4 Markgrafliches Opernhaus


Margravial Theater located in Bayreuth, Germany. The theater was built in the mid-18th century as a court opera house. The building has a Baroque style and is considered an excellent representative of the style called “Bayreuth Rococo”.

3 Opera House in Harbin


This theater is located in the city of Harbin, China. This building has a very unusual, even bizarre shape. Inside there is an unusual interior that gives the impression that this theater is from a dream or a fantasy world. Big hall is designed for 1600 spectators, and the small one – for 400 spectators.

2 State Academic Bolshoi Theater of Russia


This opera and ballet theater is also simply called the Bolshoi Theater. It is located in Moscow, Russia. The Bolshoi Theater building opened for theater lovers in 1856. This theater has three auditoriums: Main Stage (Historical Stage), New Stage ( Small stage) and the Beethoven Hall. The Main Stage auditorium can accommodate 1,740 people. Auditorium The new stage can accommodate 928 people. The Beethoven Hall seats 320 people.

1 Opera Garnier


This theater is also called: Grand Opera or Opera de Paris. Opera Garnier (Paris Opera, Grand Opera), as you might guess, is located in Paris, France. This is the thirteenth opera of Paris, which appeared after the official recognition of this type of musical and dramatic art Louis XIV in 1669. From the outside, the building attracts the attention of passers-by with its rich beauty. In the huge auditorium, which combines red and gold colors, hangs a chandelier weighing 8 tons. This opera house is shrouded in an atmosphere of mystery, because the legend of the Phantom of the Opera “lives” here (this theater inspired Gaston Leroux to create the famous novel).

If you visit any of these opera houses, these beautiful and majestic buildings, saturated with music, will leave you for a long time vivid impression in your memory.