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War Memorial Opera House

Opera House and Concert Hall
Civic Center, San Francisco
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9.0/10
606
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Tips and Reviews icon97 Tips and reviews
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  • Fluying ✅.
    Fluying ✅December 6, 2017
    Standing Room tickets($15-20) are sold in person only and go on sale when the Opera House Box Office opens at noon for performances TUE through FRI , and at 10 am for performances on Sat and Sun
    Upvoted Feb 24
  • Amy T.heart icon on user image
    Amy TOctober 12, 2013
    World-class singers. Mephistopheles production was fantastic. They tracked down sets in Turino originally made for a San Francisco production many years ago. It was jaw-dropping awesome.
  • Megan M.heart icon on user image
    Megan MastersDecember 15, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    This venue melts my heart. Have seen various ballets and operas here and have always enjoyed the experience. Last night's nutcracker was magical!
  • Lou K.
    Lou KosturaDecember 20, 2013
    What a beautiful venue the old opera house is outstanding architecture, wonderful acoustics, downfall if you are a tall or larger person the seats are very narrow and the leg room in nonexistent
  • Eugene K.heart icon on user image
    Eugene KimNovember 26, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Amazing quality of singers and productions. They have cheap tickets for students, young professionals (w/ Bravo Club membership), and seniors - or you can just get standing room tickets the day of!
  • Jayheart icon on user image
    JayFebruary 21, 2016
    Get here two hours before a show and plenty of street parking. You can get in early at side entrance and eat a nice buffet on the bottom floor.
  • Caroline
    CarolineJanuary 6, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Beautiful venue. The venue from the balcony is okay if you don't want to splurge on tickets - not the best but there aren't any obstructions (as far as I can tell) so you can see almost everything!
  • The Ritz-Carlton
    The Ritz-CarltonJanuary 5, 2017
    The War Memorial Opera House, home to the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet was designed by Arthur Brown, Jr. in the American Renaissance style and debuted on October 15, 1932.
  • Delyn S.heart icon on user image
    Delyn SimonsDecember 15, 2013
    No Nutcracker hot cocoa for the kids. Hayes Valley cafe après performance is your best bet. The prosecco carts for the adults was a nice touch.
  • Gordon G.heart icon on user image
    Gordon GarbJanuary 21, 2016
    It is a grand palace, eoth good acoustics. I wish there was more legroom, and note the restrooms are downstairs.
  • eric b.heart icon on user image
    eric bornemannJune 14, 2020
    Beautiful music temple with lots of neat different hidden areas to explore at intermission.
  • The Ritz-Carlton
    The Ritz-CarltonAugust 27, 2013
    Did you know that the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House is where the United Nations held its first meeting in the spring of 1945?
  • Ben R.heart icon on user image
    Ben RussoDecember 18, 2013
    If you're going to The Nutcracker, go on a family night. The kids are so cute and excited, and there're free cookies and juice!
  • Brandon K.heart icon on user image
    Brandon KirklenJuly 4, 2016
    Wow, the architecture is beautiful. Also they offer discounts on groups of 10.
  • Wilson F.heart icon on user image
    Opera house doubling as the city's ballet venue. Wonderful for both.
  • Andrew S.heart icon on user image
    Andrew SandlerFebruary 9, 2018
    Lovely building for watching stunning performances
  • Travel + Leisure
    Travel + LeisureJuly 30, 2012
    Opera tickets can set you back hundreds, but standing room tickets are only $10 cash if you can snag one before the show.
  • Kelly .
    Kelly 🍰April 22, 2013
    Order intermission snacks and drinks when you arrive! You can keep your table for multiple intermissions. Enjoy the ballet!
  • Quincy W.heart icon on user image
    Quincy WrightFebruary 11, 2022
    Been here 10+ times
    New, very comfortable, seating installed during the COVID shutdown.
  • Asha S.
    Asha ServiaDecember 11, 2010
    SF Ballet's Nutcracker is a must-see for all ages. Snow-like sud machines + Christmas carolers + graceful little girls in big dresses w/even bigger grins + brilliant artists on stage = Priceless.
  • SF BRAVO! CLUB
    SF BRAVO! CLUBSeptember 4, 2011
    Visit The Opera House Café, in the lower lobby. It opens 1 & 1/2 hours before each evening and Sunday matinee performance. For reservations please call Patina Catering at (415) 861-8150.
  • Camiliaheart icon on user image
    CamiliaDecember 31, 2015
    Great SF Ballet & musical performance! !
  • Enzo M.
    Enzo MartinelliMay 7, 2017
    Fantastic venue and great productions
  • Gene K.
    Gene KeenanDecember 20, 2012
    I have seen the Nutcracker here 7-8 times. This year we sat in the grand tier. Being up high brought a completely different perspective so switch it around.
  • Amy Y.
    Amy YuanNovember 30, 2010
    The theater is actually quite cozy so don't worry about sitting further back if you're looking for more affordable seating.
  • Scoutmob
    ScoutmobNovember 28, 2011
    The opera at The War Memorial Opera House is the second-largest opera company in North America, behind the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
  • Karen A.
    Karen AuDecember 25, 2011
    Go for grand tier seats or youll be straining your back trying to look over heads even in good orchestra seats.
  • Carrie H.
    Carrie HigginsDecember 6, 2011
    Want opera on the cheap? $10 standing room tickets are available the day of the performance. Room on the orchestra and balcony levels.
  • Brianheart icon on user image
    BrianJune 26, 2018
    Been here 25+ times
    Pre opera dinner ... get the buffet
  • Nancy M.
    Nancy MorenoNovember 15, 2013
    Valet at Jardiniere on Grove St. then enjoy an after Opera drink and appetizer to finish the night
  • Kevin G.
    Kevin GoughApril 16, 2010
    stop by the bar before the performance + pre-order your drinks for intermission. when you come out they'll be waiting for you - no need to stand in line.
  • Luigi P.heart icon on user image
    Luigi PanzeriJanuary 13, 2016
    seating is bad (as pointed in other reviews). views are just fine (i was in the Orchestra area, rows L).
  • Asha S.
    Asha ServiaNovember 19, 2010
    If you're a smoker, take your drink with you to the balcony during intermission to avoid having to exit the building. Access it through a doorway by the statue next to either one of the elevators.
  • Exploratorium
    ExploratoriumAugust 30, 2011
    Spot a wig! Sometimes it can take weeks to complete just one wig. Learn about the Wig Master of the world-renowned San Francisco Opera from our Driven: True Stories of Inspiration video series, here: Read more
  • Amber
    AmberJune 16, 2017
    The Champagne Experience is a wonderful little hidden gem
  • SFBART
    SFBARTFebruary 8, 2012
    BART + opera is a great combination. Skip traffic and parking hassles - Civic Center BART Station is just three blocks away. Read more
  • Mike F.
    Mike FernandezNovember 21, 2013
    Nice place. Bring binoculars if you're in the upper level.
  • Amanda T.heart icon on user image
    Amanda TaylorNovember 21, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    Don't feel like you need to be dressed up to go to the opera! Folks wear everything from formal gowns to jeans and it's all good.
  • Paul B.heart icon on user image
    Paul BerensJanuary 6, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Getting there late will keep you from being seated 'til post-intermission.
  • SF BRAVO! CLUB
    SF BRAVO! CLUBAugust 25, 2011
    That last aria was a tear jerker! Grab some fresh air during intermission out on the balcony, but beware of smokers.
  • B N.
    B NashJune 17, 2016
    In spring of 1945, the United Nations had its first conference here.
  • Javier C.
    Javier Cambon SanjurjoOctober 14, 2014
    Been here 25+ times
    The 2014-2015 season is awesome!!
  • Payam M.
    Payam MirrashidiOctober 9, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Verdi's Falstaff was a much needed musical and fun performance after the dark and brooding Delores Claiborne last week.
  • elisa
    elisaMarch 8, 2012
    Lily Rogers is the shining star of this company.
  • Case L.
    Case LarsenDecember 22, 2013
    Bring your own food so you don't have to stand in line. :)
  • Anna P.
    Anna PattonDecember 20, 2010
    The SF Ballet is one of the best professional companies in the world. Go to a performance!
  • Kyle M.heart icon on user image
    Kyle MinorNovember 3, 2009
    Been here 100+ times
    Opera Box Office is open in lobby Mondays 10-5, Tu-Fri 10-6, and Saturdays 10-6 during the season. Ballet Box Office only open when they have performances. For tickets to most other performances at th
  • Laura S.
    Laura Sherr (Parr)October 24, 2012
    Gorgeous building! Love the orange lights for the Giants!
  • X-tina 🦄heart icon on user image
    X-tina 🦄June 18, 2019
    Beautiful venue!
  • Asha S.
    Asha ServiaDecember 11, 2010
    Questionable taste + disregard for the Earth aside [so much hairspray], to others like the dude in front of us w/frizzy KISS hair, 1.) Comb it down 2.) Stop talking 3.) Leaning sideways blocks views
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