Opera House
San Francisco Opera
San Francisco, CA, United States·Est. 1923·3,146 seats
opera
301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
San Francisco Opera, founded in 1923, stands as one of the largest and most prestigious opera companies in the United States. Housed in the iconic War Memorial Opera House, a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture completed in 1932, the company has established itself as a cultural institution of international renown, celebrated for its innovative productions, world-class singers, and commitment to both classical repertoire and contemporary works.
The Experience
Acoustics, seating, and what to expect
Acoustics
4.5/ 5
The War Memorial Opera House features exceptional acoustics with warm, resonant sound throughout the auditorium. The intimate scale of the 3,146-seat venue ensures clarity and presence without sacrificing the grandeur essential to operatic performance.
Best Seats
Orchestra center sections, particularly rows G through M, provide optimal sightlines and acoustic balance. Avoid extreme side boxes; mid-orchestra and lower balcony seats offer excellent value with strong acoustics.
Dress Code
Varies by Event
Visitor Guide
Tickets, pricing, and getting there
Ticket Prices
$25—$300
Typical range · USD
Rush & Day-of Tickets
Same-day rush tickets are available at the box office on a limited basis; availability varies by performance. Standing room and discounted tickets may be offered for select performances.
Student Discounts
Student discounts are available with valid student identification; specific pricing and availability should be confirmed with the box office.
Getting There
Van Ness Avenue (21, 47, 49 Muni bus lines); Civic Center BART Station (approximately 0.3 miles); Hayes Street (21 Muni bus)
Parking
Street parking is available on Van Ness Avenue and surrounding streets, though spaces are limited. The Civic Center Garage and nearby commercial lots provide paid parking options within walking distance.
Around the Venue
Plan your visit — dining, transit, and performer resources nearby
Plan Your Visit
San Francisco
Pre-show dining, bars & more for San Francisco Opera visitors.
Green Room — San Francisco
Performer City Guide
3 practice spaces
- San Francisco Conservatory of Music
The Conservatory's public performance calendar is excellent and tickets are inexpensive. The building's practice room availability for non-students varies — inquire about community practice room rentals. The location is ideal: steps from Davies Hall and the Opera House.
- Fort Mason Center Cultural Campus
The Fort Mason Center's affordable rents have made it the home for smaller arts organizations that cannot afford Mission or SoMa commercial rates. The views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge from the piers are among the best in the city. Free parking in the Fort Mason lot.
- Cal Performances at UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley students and faculty have access to practice room facilities. For non-university performers, the Cal Performances presenting calendar represents the Bay Area's access to international touring artists — the programming rivals any major presenting organization in the country.
Open city guidePatron
Venue Details
Architect
Arthur Brown Jr.
Architecture
Beaux-Arts
Heritage
San Francisco Landmark; California Historical Landmark
Resident Company
San Francisco Opera
Organization
War Memorial
Current Season
View San Francisco Opera Season ScheduleComing Soon
Upcoming performances
Insider Access
Rush, lottery, promo codes, and discount programs for shows at this theatre
No rush, lottery, or discount programs tracked for current shows
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleHearing LoopSurtitlesAudio Description
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