Metropolitan Opera House

30 Lincoln Center Plaza, Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Opened 1966
~3,800 seats — the largest repertory opera house in the world
Not a Broadway theater — home of the Metropolitan Opera and American Ballet Theatre

Overview

The Met is a fundamentally different kind of venue from anything else on this list: a vast, horseshoe-shaped opera house on the Lincoln Center campus, purpose-built for opera and ballet rather than Broadway plays and musicals. Its scale (nearly 4,000 seats) and repertory programming model (rotating operas across a season rather than one long-running show) make it a distinct product from core Broadway ticket inventory.

Notable Shows

  • Metropolitan Opera main season (rotating repertory of operas)
  • American Ballet Theatre (summer season)
  • Occasional concerts by major recording artists

History

Opened in 1966 as part of the Lincoln Center complex, designed by Wallace Harrison, replacing the original 1883 Metropolitan Opera House on 39th Street. It remains the largest repertory opera house in the world.

Seating at a Glance

TierSectionPrice LevelWhy Choose
Best OverallOrchestra$$$$Best sound and proximity
Great ValueGrand Tier / Parterre Boxes$$$$Luxurious, private setting
Most AffordableBalcony / Family Circle$Most affordable tickets in the house

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Accessibility

Fully accessible with designated seating, elevators, and assistive listening devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seats does the Metropolitan Opera House have?

The Metropolitan Opera House has approximately 3,800 seats.

What are the best seats at the Metropolitan Opera House?

Orchestra generally offers the best overall experience — best sound and proximity. For a lower price with a strong view, Grand Tier / Parterre Boxes is a popular alternative.

Is the Metropolitan Opera House wheelchair accessible?

Fully accessible with designated seating, elevators, and assistive listening devices.

What shows have played at the Metropolitan Opera House?

Metropolitan Opera main season (rotating repertory of operas); American Ballet Theatre (summer season); Occasional concerts by major recording artists.