Lying right in the centre of Manchester's entertainment heartland, the Opera House has had a wildly colourful history. It has lurched from ground-breaking productions and record-breaking musicals to being a cinema, a bingo hall – and nearly closed-down. Despite all the ups and downs, though, it has managed to find its own place in Manchester's often overcrowded night-life – and is now a firm favourite with Mancunians and visitors alike.Despite its name, the Manchester Opera House is a venue with an open door for all manner of theatrical entertainment – and definitely not just opera. In fact, operatic productions have only recently comeback, after a long absence, and usually only amount to one or two per season. What has kept the seats filled, in recent years, has been a mix of popular musicals, comedy shows, dance spectaculars – and good old-fashioned pantomime.The Manchester Opera was built in 1912, by the New Manchester Theatre Company, when the slums around the River Irwell were being cleared. As was fashionable at the time, it was designed with a strong Greek influence in mind. So its façade is dominated by fluted columns and a chariot relief adorning its topmost arch. It has been a commanding presence, at the end of central Manchester's Quay Street, ever since. Even the heavy bombing of the area in the Second World War failed to damage or dislodge it.Perhaps the most striking thing about the Opera House, though, is its fabulously ornate and high-vaulted auditorium. It has a wonderful sweep of tiered balconies – decorated in gilt and green – and a stack of richly decorated boxes. These are, rather unusually, held up by four Greek columns, and provide the best seats in the house. The surprise is that all of this has been packed into what seems like a small venue from the outside. It's the result of a clever trick of having the stalls placed below ground level, with the stage itself facing away from the street. It is quirks like these that have helped endear the Opera House to theatre-goers. And with Manchester's recent rediscovery of itself as a city of culture, they are likely to be enjoying the Opera here for many more years to come.
Manchester Opera House Tours and Activities
Visit Manchester Opera House
Tours & day trips
See all 79 activitiesOpens in new tabSnowdonia,Chester&North Wales
Private & custom tours
See all 22 activitiesOpens in new tabHaunted Manchester Self-Guided Tour: The Pusher
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabHard Rock Cafe Manchester Dining Experience
Attractions
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabMANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip
Shows & concerts
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabManchester: Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience Ticket
Popular places to visit
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
A red-stoned 'cathedral' that's a treasure-store for some of the oldest and most important books and manuscripts from literary history.
People's History Museum
Follow the sometimes tumultuous development of democracy in Britain when you tour this captivating museum set in an old Edwardian pump station.
Museum of Science and Industry
An inspirational museum that tracks the 'engine' of scientific and technological progress which transformed Manchester from market-town to metropolis.
St Mary's The Hidden Gem
Find out about the history of Manchester when you take a trip to St Mary's The Hidden Gem. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Beetham Tower
You can find out about the history of Manchester when you stop by Beetham Tower. Experience the area's entertainment choices and fascinating museums.
Albert Square
A fine square to observe one of Manchester's finest buildings – or a great gathering place for football triumph. Either way Albert Square is bound to please.
Top Manchester Opera House Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Manchester Opera House
- Holidays and getaways similar to Manchester Opera House
- Are there hotels near Manchester Opera House?
- Hotels near popular Manchester Attractions
- What kind of hotels are in Manchester Opera House?
- Expedia's Latest Trends