Practical information
Immerse yourself in an enchanting opera performance or a magical ballet production. On this page, you will find all the information necessary for an unforgettable experience.
Before the performance
If you're attending a performance on the Main Stage, the main entrance opens two hours prior to the start. You're welcome to enjoy the Theatre Café or the Studio Boekman Foyer during this time. Additionally, the Main Stage foyer will be accessible one hour before the performance commences.
For those attending a performance in Studio Boekman, please note that the main entrance will open one hour before the show. Feel free to visit the Theatre Café or the Studio Boekman Foyer for a drink beforehand.
Introduction
Prior to each performance on the Main Stage, an enthusiastic expert gives an inspiring introduction, providing interesting facts, new perspectives and an explanation of the story or direction – supplemented with beautiful images. The introductions commence 45 minutes before the performance and take place in the basement. Conducted in Dutch, these sessions are complimentary and accessible with a valid ticket. Please note that there are no introductions for performances in Studio Boekman.
Seating
The Main Stage seating is structured across three tiers: orchestra level, first balcony and second balcony. Odd-numbered seats are on the left side of the hall (use the ‘Oneven’ entrance), and even-numbered seats on the right (use the ‘Even’ entrance). View the seating plan for opera or ballet here.
In Studio Boekman, seating is unreserved. This means that you’re free to select a seat once the hall doors open.
Supertitles
All of the seating tiers around the Main Stage are equipped with supertitles, both in Dutch and English. Please note that no supertitles are provided in Studio Boekman.
Visitor capacity
The Main Stage has a capacity of around 1600 visitors. Studio Boekman can accommodate 177 guests.
Late arrivals
Should you arrive after the performance has commenced, we regret that admission to the hall will not be possible. This is to ensure the artists and audience are not disturbed. We kindly ask you to plan your journey with care.
For late arrivals at the Main Stage, the performance can be viewed on screens located in the foyer. You'll be able to take your seats in the hall during the interval. In case of late arrival at Studio Boekman, please wait at the bar, with the option to enter the hall post-interval.
House rules
It is important to us that everyone feels comfortable and at ease. As such, we have established a number of house rules and visitor terms.
Cloakroom: complimentary and mandatory
Complimentary cloakroom services are provided for performances on the Main Stage and in Studio Boekman. We kindly ask you to leave your coats and any bags larger than A4 size here. For safety reasons, these items are not permitted inside the theatre.
Pin-only policy
At Dutch National Opera & Ballet, we follow a pin-only policy to offer you a faster and more secure service. You can make card and contactless payments at the bar, in the shop and at the ticket office.
Food and drink
During the intervals, as well as before and after performances on the Main Stage, our foyer bars are open for you to enjoy a selection of snacks and sweet treats. For Main Stage performances, you also have the convenience of pre-ordering your drinks online at this page, helping you skip the queue and aiding us in reducing waste.
We would also like to invite you to our new Theatre Café, adjacent to Studio Boekman. More information on the Theatre Café's menu and opening hours can be found here.
Shop and webshop
Our shop can be found in the Main Stage foyer and sells a variety of items, including programme books and librettos featuring the original text along with a translation.
Explore our webshop for a variety of posters, books and more.
Contact
If you need more information or have any questions, we'd be happy to help!
Get in touch:
Via e-mail:
customerservice@operaballet.nl
Phone:
020 625 5455. Our customer service is available:
- Monday to Friday from 12:00-18:00 (and until the start of the performance on show days)
- Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 12:00-15:00 (and until the start of the performance on show days)
Dutch National Opera & Ballet's ticket office is immediately on your left inside the main entrance. It is open only on days when performances are scheduled. For up-to-date opening hours, visit operaballet.nl/.
Frequently asked questions
Do you still have questions? Follow the link below to get answers to questions about your visit, tickets, context programming, and other activities.