Things to Do in Opera House, Հայաստան

The Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, located in Yerevan's heart, stands as one of the most prestigious cultural landmarks in Armenia. Built in 1933 and designed by renowned architect Alexander Tamanyan, this magnificent building showcases classic Armenian architecture with its distinctive pink tuff stone facade and elegant neoclassical design. The opera house serves as the cultural epicenter of Armenia, hosting world-class performances of opera, ballet, and classical music throughout the year. Situated in the vibrant Opera Square (also known as Freedom Square), the venue is surrounded by beautiful parks, fountains, and the famous Swan Lake, creating a picturesque cultural district. The opera house has welcomed internationally acclaimed artists and companies while nurturing local Armenian talent, making it an essential destination for culture enthusiasts visiting Yerevan. The building itself is a masterpiece, featuring ornate interiors, crystal chandeliers, and exceptional acoustics that enhance every performance.

Top Things to Do in Opera House

Attend an Opera or Ballet Performance

Experience world-class performances in this acoustically perfect venue, featuring both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. The Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre presents a full season of productions from September to June, showcasing both international classics and Armenian compositions. The intimate 1,200-seat auditorium provides excellent views from every seat.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $10-50 USD depending on seating and performance. Book online in advance or at the box office. Evening performances typically start at 7 PM, with matinees on weekends. Dress code is smart casual to formal.

Take an Architectural Tour

Explore the stunning architecture of this pink tuff stone masterpiece, learning about its construction and design elements. Guided tours reveal the building's history, architectural significance, and behind-the-scenes areas including rehearsal rooms and backstage facilities. The tour provides insight into both the building's Soviet-era construction and its role in Armenian cultural identity.

Booking Tip: Tours cost approximately $15-25 USD per person and last 45-60 minutes. Available Tuesday through Sunday, with English-speaking guides. Best to book 24 hours in advance through the opera house website or at the information desk.

Stroll Through Opera Square and Swan Lake

Enjoy the beautifully landscaped Opera Square surrounding the theatre, featuring manicured gardens, fountains, and the iconic artificial Swan Lake. This pedestrian-friendly area is perfect for evening walks, photography, and people-watching. The square often hosts outdoor concerts and cultural events, especially during summer months.

Booking Tip: Free to explore year-round. Best visited in early morning for photography or evening when illuminated. Bring comfortable walking shoes and consider visiting during sunset for the best lighting. Small cafes around the square offer refreshments.

Visit the Opera House Museum

Discover the rich history of Armenian performing arts through exhibits featuring costumes, set designs, photographs, and memorabilia from past productions. The museum showcases the evolution of opera and ballet in Armenia, highlighting famous performers and memorable productions. Interactive displays provide context about the theatre's role in preserving Armenian cultural heritage.

Booking Tip: Admission costs around $8-12 USD with guided explanations available for an additional fee. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Photography may require an additional permit. Combine with an architectural tour for better value.

Attend Outdoor Summer Concerts

During summer months, the opera house organizes outdoor performances and concerts in Opera Square, creating a magical atmosphere under the stars. These events range from classical music to contemporary performances, often featuring both local and international artists. The outdoor setting provides a unique way to experience high-quality performances in a more relaxed environment.

Booking Tip: Outdoor events typically cost $20-40 USD and run from June to September. Bring a light jacket as evenings can be cool. Arrive early to secure good viewing spots. Check the official schedule as outdoor events depend on weather conditions.

Getting There

Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport is located 12 kilometers west of the city center, with regular flights from major European and Middle Eastern cities. From the airport, take a taxi (approximately $15-20 USD) or use the airport shuttle bus service to reach the Opera House area. The opera house is centrally located and easily accessible from anywhere in Yerevan via taxi or public transportation. If arriving by land, Yerevan is well-connected to neighboring countries by bus and private car, with the opera house being a short distance from the main bus terminals.

Getting Around

The Opera House is located in central Yerevan and is easily walkable from most hotels and attractions in the city center. Yerevan has an efficient metro system with the nearest station being Republic Square, just a 10-minute walk away. Taxis are abundant and affordable (typically $3-8 USD for city center trips), and ride-sharing apps like GG and Yandex Taxi are widely used. The area around the opera house is very pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and clear signage, making walking the preferred method for exploring the immediate vicinity.

Where to Stay

Republic Square Area

Northern Avenue District

Cascade Complex Vicinity

Abovyan Street

Tumanyan Street

Amiryan Street

Food & Dining

The Opera House area offers excellent dining options ranging from traditional Armenian restaurants to international cuisine. Upscale establishments like Dolmama and The Club serve refined Armenian dishes in elegant settings perfect for pre-theater dining. Casual options include numerous cafes along Northern Avenue and around Opera Square offering everything from local specialties like khorovats (barbecue) and dolma to international fare. Many restaurants offer pre-theater menus with earlier service times, and several rooftop establishments provide stunning views of the opera house illuminated at night.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Opera House is during the performance season from September through June when the full program of operas and ballets is available. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather for exploring Opera Square and attending outdoor events. Summer months feature fewer indoor performances but compensate with outdoor concerts and festivals. Winter visits can be rewarding for serious opera enthusiasts, as this is when many of the most prestigious productions are staged, though weather can be cold for exploring the surrounding area.

Insider Tips

Book tickets for popular productions well in advance, especially for weekend performances and holiday season shows

Arrive 30 minutes early to explore the beautiful interior lobbies and take photos before performances begin

Check if the performance includes English subtitles or bring opera glasses to better appreciate the staging and costumes

Things to Do in Opera House