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Met Opera Backstage Tour
- 75 Minutes
- Small Group: Up to 15 Guests
- Free Cancellation (24h)
- $45 per person
Tour Highlights
- The History of an Icon: Uncover the fascinating history of the Metropolitan Opera House, one of the great performing arts venues in the world.
- Inside the 4,000-Seat Auditorium: Step inside the iconic auditorium and see it like never before… from the stage.
- The Backstage World: Visit the scenic and carpentry shops, wig shop, costume shop, and armory where productions come to life.
- Where Stars Prepare: See where opera singers get ready for performances in rehearsal rooms and dressing room areas.
- The Chagall Lobby: Admire the iconic mid-century lobby with its sweeping red staircase and legendary Marc Chagall murals.
What's included
- Guided Tour of the Met Opera House
- Access to areas usually off-limits to the public
Itinerary
Meet your guide
Meet your guide at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, at the south end of the lobby. 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023. View on Google Maps→
The Lobby
The iconic mid-century lobby featuring the sweeping red staircase and Marc Chagall’s two famous murals, The Sources of Music and The Triumph of Music.
The Auditorium
The 4,000-seat auditorium, one of the largest in the world. Guests see the space from the stage.
Backstage Production Areas
The scenic and carpentry shops, wig shop, costume shop, and armory where productions are built and maintained.
Rehearsal and Dressing Rooms
Rehearsal rooms and dressing room areas where performers prepare before going on stage.
Tour Ends
The tour ends at the Metropolitan Opera House lobby, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023. View on Google Maps →
About This Tour
The Metropolitan Opera House is one of the most celebrated performing arts venues in the world. Most visitors see the lobby and the auditorium. This tour takes you behind all of it. In 75 minutes, you’ll walk through the backstage world where productions actually come to life, the scenic and carpentry shops, the wig and costume departments, the rehearsal rooms and dressing areas where singers prepare. Led by a local New Yorker with deep knowledge of Lincoln Center’s history and architecture. The curtain goes up every night. Now see what happens before it does.
Meeting location
How to get there
Cancellation policy
FAQ
Meeting location
Meet your guide at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, at the south end of the lobby.
30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your tour.
How to get there
By Subway: 1 train to 66th Street (Lincoln Center) Station.
By Car: Parking available at Lincoln Center parking garage. Visit lincolncenterparking.org.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
No refunds for no-shows or late arrivals
Tours run rain or shine
FAQ
Where is the meeting location?
Meet your guide at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, at the south end of the lobby. 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023. View on Google Maps →. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your tour.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends at the same place it began, the Metropolitan Opera House lobby, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023.
How long is the tour?
This tour is approximately 75 minutes long.
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour involves a lot of standing, walking, stairs, and elevators. Most people can participate comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes.
Is this tour good for locals?
Absolutely! The Met Opera backstage is not open to the public during regular visits. Even longtime New Yorkers who know the lobby and the auditorium have never seen what happens behind the curtain. This tour changes that.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is entirely indoors at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
The Met Opera can accommodate guests using wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges if a request is made at least one week before the tour date. Please call 212-870-7623 with questions and to arrange.
Are children permitted on this tour?
Children under the age of 8 are not permitted on Met Opera backstage tours. Children 8 years old and above are welcome!
Can I take photos?
Photography is not permitted while inside the Metropolitan Opera House on this tour.
Can I bring a bag?
Backpacks, briefcases, shopping bags, luggage, and other large packages are not permitted on the tour. A small purse or handbag may be carried. Please plan accordingly as checkroom facilities are not available.
Will all backstage areas be available?
As the Met Opera is a working opera house, not all areas may be available on every tour depending on the rehearsal schedule.
Who will be our guide?
This tour is led by a Met Opera guide with deep knowledge of Lincoln Center’s history and architecture.
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