Attending an Opera

We are thrilled to welcome you to the War Memorial Opera House! As you prepare for your visit, we encourage you to browse our frequently asked questions about attending a performance.

Have additional questions?
Call our friendly Box Office at (415) 864-3330.

• Is there an age recommendation for attending an opera?

  
  To ensure an enjoyable and relaxed experience for everyone, we recommend that children be at least 8 years old. Check the performance page ahead of purchasing your ticket to ensure the opera is something your child would enjoy. Programs are often more than two and a half hours long and are not always ideal for younger children.

  Please note that we do not allow children under 3, including babes in arms.

• How early should I arrive?

  
  We recommend arriving no later than 30 minutes before the performance.

  The Opera House opens one hour before curtain. We encourage patrons to come early for the pre-opera talk, 55 minutes prior to mainstage opera performances! All performances begin promptly at the scheduled time: there is no late seating once the performance begins. 

  Patrons who have dining reservations at Prelude may enter for their reservation 2 hours before the performance through the North Carriage entrance.

• What do I wear?

  
  Wear what makes you feel comfortable! We don't have a dress code, but going to the Opera House is a great chance to express your personal style. Some opera-goers prefer suits and gowns, others jeans. However, please avoid wearing strong scents. Many people (including singers) have allergies.

• Do you have a bag policy?

  
  Patrons may bring bags into the auditorium, but they must fit under the seat or on the patron’s lap (approximately 14 in. x 14 in. x 6 in.).

  Patrons with large items, inclusive of, but not limited to large backpacks, luggage, shopping bags, and other large packages that will not fit comfortably at the seat will be asked to check those items at coat check.

  All bags are subject to search upon arrival. Currently, clear bags are not required.
  

• Where do I find the run time of the performance?

  
  If you navigate to the opera specific web page, you will find the run time located in the Overview section.

• What happens if I leave my seat during a performance?

  
  Out of respect for the audience and artists, there is no seating once the performance begins. Those who leave the theater during the performance, are welcome in Standing Room or can relax with food and drink and watch the performance on a monitor in one of our bars. You may take your assigned seat during the intermission. Please be aware that not all performances have an intermission.

• What are the Patron ADA Assistance Guidelines?

  
  Please note that many areas of the house are only accessible via stairs. The Orchestra level, the last row of the Dress Circle and the back row of some Boxes are accessible without steps.

  Patrons with walkers or wheelchairs are welcome to purchase tickets in one of our ADA accessible rows where they may sit in their walker or wheelchair or transfer into a chair.

  Patrons with crutches and patrons who wish to transfer into a seat from a walker or wheelchair will be shown where to store their equipment by House staff (the back corners of the theater, closest to their seat). Please label your equipment with your name prior to arrival if possible. To keep emergency exits clear, walkers cannot be stored in the ADA row.

  Please note that the War Memorial does not provide wheelchairs. Staff is not able to bring equipment away from or to patron’s seats; assist patrons in transferring to or from a wheelchair, theater seat or vehicle; operate motorized mobility aids such as scooters; or provide personal attendant services such as assisting patrons in the restroom, or with similar activities.

  Learn more about accessibility here.
  

• What is OperaVision?

  
  OperaVision is high-definition video projection screens placed in the War Memorial Opera House's balcony level. This allows balcony audiences to experience a closer, more engaging view of the performance.

  OperaVision is available for the first three performances of each production.

• How long is the lobby open after a performance?

  
  The War Memorial Opera House lobbies close 30 minutes following the end of a performance. We kindly request that all patrons exit the building by that time as the doors will be locked. Please keep this in mind when arranging transportation.

  Patrons waiting for transportation after the lobbies close will be directed to wait outside of the North Stage Door in the north courtyard at Franklin Street, near Fulton Street

• Is there a lost and found?

  
  Yes. Lost & Found is located at the north coat check room on the Main Lobby level of the Opera House.

  Following performances and events in the Opera House, unclaimed items are taken to the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center (WMPAC) main office at 401 Van Ness, Room 110. Please email wmpac-lostandfound@sfgov.org or leave a voicemail message at 415-621-6600 to see if your lost item has been found. Walk-in inquiries are not possible. 

  While WMPAC makes every effort to reunite you with your property as quickly as possible, please note that it can take 3 days or more for items from our venues to be brought to the Main Office, sorted, and catalogued. Lost items are retained for a period of 30 days from the date they are found, after which they are donated to local charities.

  If located, your items will be returned by USPS mail or may be picked up by appointment only. Please do not send multiple emails or leave duplicate voicemail messages. These slow efforts to provide efficient services to you and other guests.

• Can I rent Opera Glasses?

  
  Yes! Rentals for opera glasses are $5. You will leave your ID with the north coat check.

• When is the Opera Shop open?

  
  The Opera Shop is open only during performances, 1 ½ hours prior to curtain, all intermissions for 20-25 minutes, and for 20 minutes after most performance with exceptions.

• What is the Opera Shop return policy?

  
  Returns are accepted if in unused condition. Receipts are required, whether printed or digitally provided.