Guided tours
Always wanted to know and see what goes on behind the scenes of a major theatre company? Dutch National Opera & Ballet produces opera and ballet performances from A to Z in house. During a 75-minute tour - given in Dutch - an enthusiastic guide will let you experience this magical world behind the stage.
A special world
Dutch National Opera & Ballet is home to Dutch National Ballet, Dutch National Opera, the Junior Company and Dutch Nationale Opera Studio. In addition, the theatre itself houses the props, costume and hairdressing and grime workshops, as well as many technology & production departments, where almost everything for the performances is made. The theatre on Waterlooplein is thus a vibrant environment of craftsmanship and passion for opera and ballet.
Ins & outs
During this 75-minute tour, you will see and experience the special world behind the curtain where usually only the artists and staff reside. Meanwhile, your guide will tell you the ins & outs of our theatre. He will take you to various studios and to Europe's largest stage, all areas not normally open to visitors. This way, you will experience the dynamics of creating opera and ballet performances.
Tickets
Book here your tickets for both guided tours for individual visitors at fixed times (€15 p.p.) and guided tours for groups at fixed times (max. 15 people €225 per group). Unfortunately, at the moment, our tours are not (yet) suitable for visitors with mobility problems or in wheelchairs. This is because climbing stairs is part of the tour.
Information about the meeting point and accessibility (!) can be found at the bottom of this page.
Guided tour for individual visitors at fixed times
By clicking on the top link, you can book tickets for a tour on fixed days and fixed times. The available dates and times will be displayed. These tours combine several individual visitors into a group of up to 15 people. So you buy a ticket for a tour that you walk together with other visitors. The cost is €15 p.p.
Guided tour for groups at fixed times
By clicking on the top link, you can book tickets for a group tour on fixed days and fixed times. The available dates and times will be displayed. You can book this group tour for a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 15 people. The fixed price is €225, regardless of the number of people (max. 15). This group tour does not include any visitors other than those in your own group.
Customised guided tours on your preferred days and times
Besides guided tours on fixed days and fixed times, it is also possible to organise a tailor-made tour. For example, on a day and at a time of your choice. The minimum price of these tailor-made tours is €375, regardless of the number of people (from 1 to max. 15 people). For more information, please contact rondleidingen@operaballet.nl. If you are requesting information on behalf of a school or college, please email educatie@operaballet.nl.
Guided tours for schools and colleges
Dutch National Opera & Ballet gives special tours for schoolchildren and students. As a representative of a school or college, please contact us for these special tours at educatie@operaballet.nl.
Practical information
Meeting point
For the tour, please meet in the hall at Dutch National Opera & Ballet's main entrance near the Amstel River. View a map of the main entrance of Dutch National Opera & Ballet. You enter the hall via the revolving door and proceed to the right.
Arrive on time
Tours start punctually at the reserved time. After the start of the tour, there will be no admission. So be on time and stand at the main entrance 5 minutes before the start.
Accessibility
Dutch National Opera & Ballet is a large building with long corridors and many stairs. Unfortunately, at the moment, our tours are not (yet) suitable for visitors with mobility problems or in wheelchairs. This is because climbing stairs is part of the tour.
Please note that you will be walking and standing a lot for the duration of this tour. Where possible, the tour will include certain stops where visitors can sit down for a while. However, this cannot be guaranteed as we are a working theatre and tour routes may vary.