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THE OPERA HOUSE

THE OPERA HOUSE

Experience the Majestic Opera House

Designed in the magnificent Beaux-Arts style by Arthur Brown Jr., architect of Coit Tower and City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House is one of three landmark buildings, along with the Veteran’s Building and Davies Symphony Hall, that make up the War Memorial Performing Arts Center. After opening its doors to audiences on October 15, 1932, the exquisite Opera House has been home to San Francisco Ballet since its earliest days. At the time of its construction, the stage complex was the largest and most technologically sophisticated in the United States—and its acoustics among the best in the world.

The Opera House played host to two historic events—the drafting of the charter of the United Nations in 1945, and the ceremony where the United States restored Japanese sovereignty in 1951.

Today, after seismic retrofitting following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the Opera House boasts state-of-the-art equipment, a refurbished interior graced with exquisite fixtures and furnishings, several elegant eateries, and refreshment bars located throughout the house.

COVID-19 POLICIES

Updated December 1, 2022: SF Ballet cares about the health and safety of our audiences, artists, and staff. In adherence with requirements contained in federal, state, and local health orders, the War Memorial Opera House does not require patrons to wear masks while in the venue. However, the Opera House and San Francisco Ballet strongly encourage mask-wearing by all patrons to protect themselves and others. We also encourage anyone to stay home if they aren’t feeling well or are experiencing COVID symptoms. https://sfwarmemorial.org/covid-information. SF Ballet will continue to work with the city and performance venues to update our policies based on their recommendations.

For events and/or performances outside of the War Memorial Opera House, SF Ballet will update patrons on COVID protocols via email and here on the Safety page.

The following changes have been and will continue to be at the Opera House:

  • War Memorial Opera House ventilation systems have been evaluated and are operating within current ASHRAE COVID-19 recommendations, including MERV-13 or better filters, and increased outside air.
  • Facilities will be cleaned daily, and we have hired additional cleaning staff. High-touch surfaces will be sanitized between performances.
  • There will be multiple hand sanitizer stations positioned on each level of the Opera House.
  • All of our front-of-house and backstage employees will follow rigorous safety protocols.
  • Patrons will need to purchase tickets in advance of the performance. During the performance, patrons need to remain in their assigned seats and not move to other seats.
  • Audience members who fail to follow the front-of-house safety protocols will be asked to leave the performance venue.

Address

301 Van Ness Avenue at Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Directions & Parking

Box Office

The SF Ballet Box Office in the Opera House is open only on performance dates and opens for four hours prior to each performance. During the hour prior to curtain, the Box Office only handles business for that day's performance.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and, of course, cash.

Ticket Services Phone: 415-865-2000

Building Information

COAT AND PARCEL CHECK

Located on the North and South side of the Lobby level (main floor). For the safety and comfort of our audiences, all parcels, backpacks, luggage, etc., must be checked. Please do not bring bags larger than what you can fit under your seat. Anything larger must be checked at Coat Check and subject to search.

LOST & FOUND

Items may be claimed at the North Lobby coat check during performances or by calling 415-621-6600, 9:00 am–4:00 pm Monday–Friday, except city holidays.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are located on all levels of the Opera House except on the Orchestra Level (Main Lobby).