Background

Finnish National Opera and Ballet: A Cultural Gem

Experience world-class opera and ballet in Helsinki's stunning Opera House, a beacon of Finnish culture and artistic excellence.

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The Finnish National Opera and Ballet in Helsinki is Finland's premier venue for opera and ballet, staging both classic masterpieces and contemporary Finnish works. Housed in a modern opera house since 1993, it offers a rich program of performances and events for all ages.

A brief summary to Finnish National Opera and Ballet

Local tips

  • Arrive early to explore the Opera House and enjoy pre-performance refreshments at the Opera Restaurant.
  • Check the performance schedule in advance, as the repertoire changes weekly, featuring dozens of different productions.
  • Take advantage of the free cloakroom service, but be aware of size restrictions for bags.
  • Consider purchasing a program booklet to learn more about the performance, creative team, and background.
  • If you require accessible seating or have mobility concerns, contact the customer service in advance to make arrangements.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Helsinki city center, take Tram Line 1 or 2 and disembark at the 'Ooppera' stop. Alternatively, take Bus 21 or 23 towards 'Pasilan asema' or 'Helsinki City Center' and get off at the 'Ooppera' bus stop. A single AB ticket costs €3.20 and is valid for 80 minutes. A day ticket costs €8.

  • Walking

    From Helsinki Central Station, the Opera House is approximately a 20-minute walk via the scenic route by the Töölönlahti bay. Head north along Mannerheimintie, then turn left onto Helsinginkatu. The Opera House will be on your left.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Helsinki. A taxi from the city center to the Opera House will cost approximately €13-€22, depending on the distance and time of day. After performances, taxis are ordered to the Töölönlahti side entrance.

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Discover more about Finnish National Opera and Ballet

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet is a cultural landmark in Helsinki, showcasing Finland's artistic brilliance. As the only professional opera company in Finland, it traces its history back to 1911, with the ballet established in 1922. The company resided in the Alexander Theatre until the purpose-built Opera House opened in 1993. The Opera House features two auditoriums: the main stage with 1,350 seats and a smaller studio stage with 300–500 seats. Each year, the FNOB stages four new opera productions and three new ballet productions, alongside revivals of older works. The repertoire includes both established classics and contemporary opera and dance, with a focus on Finnish works. Operas are generally performed in their original languages, with surtitles in Finnish, Swedish, and English. The Finnish National Opera and Ballet is committed to accessibility, offering accessible entrances, facilities, and services. The Opera House also provides pre-performance talks and special events, enhancing the visitor experience.

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