The Kungliga Operan, known in English as the Royal Swedish
Opera, makes its home in the center of the city of Stockholm,
Sweden. First founded in 1773 by King Gustav III, the
Kungliga Operan gave its first performance in January
of that same year. The Operan house was not officially
opened until 1782, and this building for the Kungliga
Operan was replaced in the 19th century with
the building used by the Operan today. The old Operan
building was also the scene of tragedy; King Gustav III
was assassinated here during a masquerade ball.
In 1892, a new building for the Operan Stockholm was commissioned. Axel Johan Anderberg was responsible for the construction design, and the building itself is one of Sweden’s best examples of modern architecture. The new house is officially known as the Royal Theater (Kungl Teatern), and is often referred to simply as the Operan. The new Operan Stockholm is a neo-classical building. The foyer is decorated in gold and features a marble staircase. The Operan Stockholm has a three-tier auditorium and seat about 1,200 patrons, with an orchestra pit big enough for 100 musicians. In addition to Stockholm Opera shows, the Operan is a place to see ballet, musicals and operettas.
Shows of all kinds are given here at the Stockholm Opera house quite frequently, and the Stockholm Opera house usually runs a full schedule Monday through Saturday nights. Note that the theatre is closed each year from mid-June to August, and the all and winter tend to be the most popular times to visit the theatre.
To obtain Royal Swedish Opera tickets for any of the various shows at the Operan, patrons can purchase tickets online (for most shows) or purchase tickets in person at the Operan Royal Swedish Opera tickets booth. The Royal Swedish Opera tickets booth is open Monday through Friday from noon until 6 pm, and until 7:30pm on performance nights. The ticket booth is also open shorted hours on Saturdays, from noon to 3 pm.
The Operan in Stockholm is truly a world class Opera
house and a great part of Stockholm
nightlife. It is located close enough to the Liseberg
theme park, Avenyn and Vasa
Museum that it can be the perfect end to a day trip
in Stockholm. Purchase tickets in advance for the best
price, and in person in advance to avoid paying an online
service charge. If you are staying at a Stockholm hotel
during your vacation, you can also check with your concierge
upon arriving to get help planning a trip to the Operan
for a show.
