If your first ever opera or ballet moved you to tears of pure pleasure you’ll be a lifelong fan! And what better hobby than seeking out the very best opera houses in the world. With elegance, beauty and heritage in the actual buildings and legendary performances, these are our pick of the top Ten.
10.Copenhagen Opera House, Copenhagen, Denmark
The national opera house of Denmark is among the most modern opera houses in the world. And with a price tag of over 500 million dollars – it is also one of the most expensive opera houses ever to be built.  It is located on the island of Holmen in central Copenhagen
9.Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia
The Bolshoi Theatre is a landmark of the Russian capital. It started as a small brick building in 1794. The current structure was designed by Andrei Mikhailov and was opened in 1825. It has undergone various renovation projects since then. The theatre is mainly used to stage the performances of The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera, which are among the oldest and most popular ballet and opera companies in the world. Many of the renowned operas had had their premiere here. The building itself is an epitome of classical architecture. The facade of the theatre is featured in the Russian 100-ruble banknote.
8.Metropolitan opera, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York, USA
Metropolitan opera is resident at Lincoln center for performing arts located in New York City. it is the largest classical music organization in America. The opera features 27 different types of operas every year from September to May. The top performances at the opera are filmed and presents in many theaters around the world. Authorities of the metropolitan opera also started live satellite radio and internet broadcasting in 2006. The opera was opened in the year 1966 and today it is one of the most visited sites in New York City. The metropolitan opera was opened in the year 1966, designed by American architect Wallance K Harrison. The opera is much known for it’s elegant box seats and spiral staircases.
7.Vienna State Opera House
The city of music has also its grand opera house. Popularly known as the Staatsoper, the Vienna State Opera House was opened in 1869. It was designed by architects Eduard van der Nüll and August Sicard von Sicardsburg. This red-and-gold building is embellished with sculptures, paintings and frescoes. The building was damaged during the Second World War, and was restored in 1955. The auditorium can seat about 2,300 spectators. It is now one of the busiest opera houses in the world.
6.The Royal Opera House, London, England
Located in Westminster, the Royal Opera House is the biggest of its kind in Britain. Originally built in 1732, the building had to be renovated a couple of times after damages from fire. The main building is known as Covent Garden, which has a seating capacity of around 2,300. Paul Hamlyn Hall and Linbury Studio Theatre are other major facilities. Apart from operas, the theatre also hosts functions like film awards.
5.Tetro di San Carlo, Naples, Italy
An icon of the city of Naples, the San Carlo opera house is currently the oldest functional opera house in the world. It was designed by Giovanni Antonio Medrano and Angelo Carasale and was opened in 1737. It has undergone renovation various times since then, altering its appearance. One time, the concert hall, shaped like a horse-shoe, could occupy around 3000. Now it can only seat about 1,400. Nevertheless, it is still a majestic piece of architecture and hosts numerous events.
4.Tetro Colon, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opened in 1908, the Teatro Colon in the Argentinian capital houses 2,487 sits – a capacity just larger than the Royal Opera House in London. The  acoustics are considered to be one of the best in the world. If you’re looking forthe best attractions in Argentina or Buenos Aires, and you love the Opera – you should consider a visit to the Teatro Colon.
3.La Scala, Milan, Italy
Milan’s Teatro alla Scala is perhaps the most famous opera house in the world, the one most associated with “opera.†Built in 1778 with four tiers with separate loges, it is the home of Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi. One of La Scala’s most ingenious features is the concave channel under the wooden floor of the orchestra; this is credited with giving the theater superb acoustics.
2.Sydney Opera House, Australia
Located in Sydney, Australia, the theater has become one of the city’s majore landmarks. Built in 1973, it is one of the most distinguished buildings of the 20th century. The shape of the theater took inspiration from shells, creating a harmonious picture with famous nearby attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It hosts over 1,500 performances each year, making it one of the most popular and busiest theaters in the world. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 28, 2007.
1.Palais Garnier, France
Located in Paris, capital of France, it is the largest lyric theater with 2,200 seats. It was designed by Charles Garnier in 1861, merging the characteristics of the Baroque, ancient Greek and ancient Roman styles. Inside, the venue features Baroque decorations, paintings and hanging lamps. The main color of interior is gold, showing off its extreme luxury and design. It is home to a well-known ballet company and an orchestra of nearly 1,100 performers.
