Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet

The Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet is a prominent opera house in central Lviv, Ukraine, completed and opened at the start of the 20th century. It is one of the city’s main cultural institutions and an architectural landmark.

The theatre stages opera, ballet and concert performances throughout the year from its ornate auditorium and stage facilities. The interior includes a richly decorated foyer and grand staircase, and guided visits are offered when the building is not in use for performances.

Designed and built in the late 19th century and opened in 1900, the theatre was created to serve the city’s cultural needs at that time and has continued as an active performing arts venue since then. It has undergone restorations and maintenance to preserve its historic fabric.

The theatre stands on the central square commonly called Opera Square in downtown Lviv, within easy walking distance of the city’s main avenues and historic centre.

• Tickets and performances: Performances of opera and ballet form the core programme; tickets are recommended in advance for popular productions and weekend evenings.
• Guided tours: Guided tours are available at set times and include the foyer, staircase and auditorium when performances are not running.

What to See #

• Main auditorium: The main auditorium contains the stage and horseshoe-shaped seating characteristic of large turn-of-the-century European opera houses, with decorative plasterwork and chandeliers.
• Foyer and staircase: The grand marble staircase and foyer areas provide ornate architectural detail often highlighted on guided tours and visible from the square outside the building.