Visit

Getting there

Check out this page for information on the accessibility of Dutch National Opera & Ballet.

What if I'm late?

After the start of the performance the doors to the auditorium will close and you will not be allowed inside anymore. Dutch National Opera & Ballet wants to ensure that visitors are not disturbed during the show. Visitors that are late can watch the show on the screens in the foyer and enter the auditorium during the break. Visitors for the Main Stage that are late can watch the show on the screens in the foyer and enter the auditorium during the break. Visitors to Studio Boekman can wait at the bar to be seated in the auditorium after the break - if there is one.

Where is Dutch National Opera & Ballet?

How to get to the theatre easily can be read here.

How accessible is the theatre?

Our theatre is wheelchair and mobility scooter-accessible. The Main Stage has an audio induction system to assist hearing-impaired patrons. Find here more specific answers to this question! 

Can I visit the theatre in a wheelchair?

Yes! Dutch National Opera & Ballet is well-suited to accommodating wheelchair users. There is a lift as well as a wheelchair-friendly WC. Both the Main Stage and Studio Boekman have wheelchair spaces with room for an accompanying visitor. The wheelchair places in the Main Stage are all fitted with a screen for the surtitles. Tickets for wheelchair seating can only be ordered by phone (+31 20 62 55 45 5).

Placement

The Main Stage is parted into three levels: theatre level, first balcony and second balcony. Seats with odd numbers are found at the left side of the room, seats with even numbers are found at the right side of the room.

Look here for seating plans for opera and for ballet performances

Performances in Studio Boekman have unreserved seating: you can choose a place on the spot.

What are the performances like?
  • Main Stage: for performances on the Main Stage, the theatre's entrance doors open 2 hours before curtain-up. You can then enter the Foyer Studio Boekman first. The entrance to the Foyer Main Stage opens one hour before curtain-up.
  • Studio Boekman: If there is only a performance in Studio Boekman, the main entrance will open one hour before curtain-up. One can then enter the Foyer Studio Boekman.

Please keep in mind that the doors will close once the performance begins. You will thereafter be unable to enter the foyer or watch the performance.

At the entrance your ticket is scanned. In case you have used a discountcode, you must show your discountpass.

You can leave your belongings at our free cloakroom and take a seat in our foyer, have a drink or visit our shop (Foyer Main Stage) until the show starts. The introduction will be in the Souterrain and starts 45 minutes before the start of the show. You will receive some background information about the performance you are about to watch. There will be no introduction prior to the performances at Studio Boekman.

Approximately 15 minutes before the show commences, the doors to the auditorium will open and approximately 10 minutes before the show commences, you are reminded to take your seat by a gong. After the start of the show, the doors will close and you will not be able to enter anymore until the break. Make sure to visit the toilet beforehand! 

During the break it is customary to leave the auditorium and go to the foyer. The breaks usually last approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the performance. Approximately 10 minutes before the end of the break, the gong will sound again and you are expected to take your seat. When leaving the theatre you can pick up your belongings from the cloakroom. You can leave the theatre through the main entrance and doors on the side.

Before every performance, you can order a drink to consume during the break. They will be ready for you when the break commences. For Studio Boekman, it is not possible to reserve food and drinks beforehand. 

After the performance you can visit the Theatre Café near the main entrance for drinks and chat. The Theatre Café will be open until 60 minutes after the performance on the Main Stage.

Is there a dresscode?

No, it is up to you to decide what you would like to wear when visiting our theatre. Our audience is mixed in age and background. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable. During Galas there usually is a dresscode, which you can find on the online page concerning the gala.  When in doubt, feel free to call us at +3120 6 255 455. 

Screens

In the foyer are multiple screens where you can find information, backgroundinformation and videos concerning the performance.

Cloakroom free and obligated

Use of the cloakroom is free of charge for visitors. For security reasons, it is not permitted to take your coat, bag and luggage into the auditorium. We therefore request you to hand in your coat, bag and luggage to the cloakroom. Bags no larger than A4 size (30 cm x 21 cm x 10 cm) are permitted in the foyer and auditorium. Bags larger than A4 size are not permitted and must be handed in at the cloakroom.

In special cases where required for reasons of general security, Dutch National Opera & Ballet can request to look inside any luggage you have brought with you. If deemed necessary, specially trained staff may also request your cooperation in making a body search.

Children

For small children there are seat boosters available at the cloakroom. For other facilities, check this page.

Children are not allowed to climb the stage!

Are there posters or DVDs available of the performances?

Our store sells many items, among which are posters, CDs and DVDs. Not all productions are available on CD or DVD. Visit our webshop.

Which dancers will be performing?

As soon as the cast is known for a ballet performance, it will be published on the performance page on this website. The cast is also listed on an insert, available - free of charge - in the foyer. As a rule, cast is known a week before the premiere date, but please note that it is subject to change until the last minute.

What about a programme book?

We are constantly trying to digitise our information, fitting into our mission of producing as sustainably as possible.

Printed matter
For opera and ballet performances on the Main Stage, programme books with background articles and interesting visual material are still available in the theatre and in the webshop. There are also loose booklets with the libretto for sale. If a libretto is sold out in our webshop, you can usually still order it from De Nieuwe Toneelbibliotheek. For performances in Studio Boekman, there are only programme booklets for the youth performances! 

Online
We also aim to present as much information as possible to visitors online in an accessible way. In the theatre, you will therefore find an information sheet with the credits, cast, background and story. You will also find a QR code to access free online programme information and a free PDF of the programme book (without libretto).

 

How can I follow the story at the opera?

The operas at Dutch National Opera on the Main Stage have both Dutch and English surtitles. You can also buy books with the entire libretto in the original language and in Dutch.

Introduction

Every performance on the Main Stage at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet has a introduction.

The introduction starts 45 minutes before the show starts and is to be seen in the Souterrain. Attending the introduction is free for visitors of the performance. A few days before the performance, the introduction is available as a podcast. On the online page of the show, you can find the podcast.

There will be no introduction prior to the performances at Studio Boekman!

Food and drinks

Information on foods and drinks can be found on this page.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

No, you are not allowed to bring your own food and drinks to Dutch National Opera & Ballet.

Is smoking allowed at Dutch National Opera & Ballet?

It is not allowed to smoke at Dutch National Opera & Ballet, nor in a radius of 15 meters around the building.

Am I allowed to take pictures or videos of the performances?

It is not allowed to take pictures or record videos in the auditorium of Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Only during the final applause you may take recordings.

Can I pay with card?

Dutch National Opera & Ballet has a PIN-only policy. It is therefore possible to pay at the bar, in the shop and at the box office by PIN card (both payments with an actual card and contactless payments), but not with cash.

Can I pay with cash?

Dutch National Opera & Ballet has a PIN-only policy. It is therefore possible to pay at the bar, in the shop and at the box office by PIN card (both payments with an actual card and contactless payments), but not with cash.

Can I get a discount on my tickets?

Dutch National Opera & Ballet will give a discount if you own a CJP card, Stadspas Amsterdam or Cultuurkaart. Students pay €19 for a show when the ticket is bought last minute, meaning at 13:00 on the day of the show. You will be asked to show your discountpass or studentcard at the main entrance.

Where can I find the visitor terms?

The visitor terms can be found here.

Where can I find the lost and found items?

If you have lost anything, you may inform at the reception of Dutch National Opera & Ballet whether it has been found and delivered there. You can call (+3120 551 8000) or send an e-mail (receptie@operaballet.nl).

Tickets

How and where can I buy tickets?

Information on ticket sales at the cashier and online, subscriptions, ways of payment, discounts, refunds, prefaces and the online shop can be found here.

When does the ticket office open?

You can find this information here.

Is it possible to get tickets to a sold out performance?

You might be able to come to the performance still! Starting an hour before the show you can get a serial number. All tickets that have not been redeemed half an hour before the performance starts will be sold.

How can I purchase tickets via the website?

On this page is explained how you can purchase tickets, for both performances in the theatre and online performances, via the website. 

Why do I need to create an account to buy tickets?

Everything regarding creating an account can be found on this page.

I lost my tickets, where can I find my (e-)tickets?

If you bought your tickets online or by phone, you can access them at any time through your Dutch National Opera & Ballet account. You can find your tickets under ‘My agenda’. More information about an account can be found on the page your account.

Can I buy tickets with a discount?

Everything regarding discounts can be found here.

Can I buy tickets with a giftcard?

We accept multiple methods of payment, among which are giftcards. Read more.

Do I need to bring my tickets printed?

If you are able to show your e-ticket digitally, you will not need to print it.

Can I return my tickets?

You cannot return your tickets, we do not - unless you live in a different country - do refunds. If you live in a different country, you can request a refund up to one day before the performance.

You can swap your ticket by calling to the cashier. You can do this up until a day before the performance. This will cost you €3 and the possible difference in price. Call to 020 6 255 455.

You can also try to swap your tickets through the Ticket Exchange service.

 

Do I get a discount as a student?

As a student, you can buy tickets from 1 p.m. on the day of the performance for €19. More info here!

Context programming and other activities

What activities do you organise for children?

Quite a few! Family introductions, Children's studio, Children's choir festival, ... Look for information and even more activities on the page: children & families. Or subscribe to our family newsletter.

Are there tours throughout the theatre?

There sure are! You can look both on stage and behind the scenes. Here you will find more information about the various tours.

Are there opportunities for deepening or participation?

Yes, and there are only more to come!. Click here for the possibilities.

Can I rent a space for an event?

The theatre offers various possibilities for events, groups and arrangements. More information can be found here.

I am a teacher. What do you organise for my pupils?

Too many to mention. You can find more information about our activities for students here

How do I become a Friend of Dutch National Opera & Ballet?

We really appreciate your Friendship! If you would like more information about registration or about activities for Friends, please visit this page

How do I keep up to date with news about Dutch National Opera & Ballet?

The Dutch National Opera & Ballet sends out a newsletter on a regular basis. You can also stay informed through social media.

Online performance

How do I get acces to an online performance?

You can find all answers to your questions about online performances here

Can I watch an online performances on my TV screen?

All answers to your questions about streaming an online performance via or casting to your television, you will find on our web page with technical tips. 

Jump fanclub

Can I take out a membership?

No, since April 2022, Jump no longer works with memberships. For each activity, you can buy a ticket for your child. This makes Jump accessible to even more children!

What should I do if I forget my password or have login problems?

Call (020-6255455) or e-mail (klantenservice@operaballet.nl)the Dutch National Opera & Ballet customer service. Check customer service opening hours.

At which e-mail address will I receive newsletters and other messages?

On the email address you specify for your child.

How can I receive newsletters on a different e-mail address?

Please email jump@operaballet.nl to provide email address. We will process your request.

Is your question not listed? Please email jump@operaballet.nl

Other

Where can I find Dutch National Opera & Ballet

For the address and the easiest way to get to the theatre, visit this page

I am a teacher. What do you organise for my pupils?

Too many to mention. You can find more information about our activities for students here

How do I become a Friend of Dutch National Opera & Ballet?

We really appreciate your Friendship! If you would like more information about registration or about activities for Friends, please visit this page

Which browser is recommended for using this site?

The website is best viewed with a recent version of Chrome, Firefox or Safari; if you are using a Windows PC, you can of course also use Edge. Our website can also be visited using a mobile phone.

How do I keep up to date with news about Dutch National Opera & Ballet?

The Dutch National Opera & Ballet sends out a newsletter on a regular basis. You can also stay informed through social media.

Where can I find the visitor terms?

You can find our visitor terms here: your visit. 

Is your question not listed above? Than please contact us. We will answer your question as soon as possible, but in any case within five working days.