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Latitude: 51.5131 / 51°30'47"N
Longitude: -0.1228 / 0°7'21"W
OS Eastings: 530362
OS Northings: 181019
OS Grid: TQ303810
Mapcode National: GBR JC.LS
Mapcode Global: VHGQZ.T7GF
Plus Code: 9C3XGV7G+6V
Entry Name: Royal Opera House
Listing Date: 9 January 1970
Grade: I
Source: Historic England
Source ID: 1066392
English Heritage Legacy ID: 208783
Also known as: Covent Garden
Royal Italian Opera
ROH Covent Garden
Covent Garden Opera
Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
ROH
ID on this website: 101066392
Location: Strand, Westminster, London, WC2B
County: London
District: City of Westminster
Electoral Ward/Division: St James's
Parish: Non Civil Parish
Built-Up Area: City of Westminster
Traditional County: Middlesex
Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Greater London
Church of England Parish: St Paul Covent Garden
Church of England Diocese: London
Tagged with: Opera house Theatre Opera company Charitable organisation Performing arts centre
TQ 3080 NW and 3081 SW CITY OF WESTMINSTER BOW STREET, WC2
59/22 ;72/ 5
9.1.70 Royal Opera House,
Covent Garden
G.V. I
Opera house. Rebuild of 1857-58 by E.M. Barry. Stucco and stone, slate
roof. Monumental Augustan classicism tinged with Italiante. Front 7 bays
wide. Imposing, pedimented, giant Corinthian hexastyle portico raised on
tall rusticated podium now with foyer doors but originally a porte cochere.
The flanking bays are framed by coupled giant pilasters and contain on
portico level niches with statues of Melpomene and Thalia by Rossi whilst
behind the portico is a long and partially altered bas relief frieze by
Flaxman salvaged from Smirke's theatre of 1808-9. Prominent crowning
cornice and panelled parapet surmounted by urn finials. The balcony level
of portico has had a later C.19 crush bar conservatory inserted. Return
elevations articulated by plain giant pilasters above podium. Very fine
interior and auditorium with few alterations to Barry's scheme, horse-shoe
tiers beneath saucer dome on elliptical arches and pendentives, enriched
proscenium, the sounding board with relief ornament; rich plasterwork etc.
Stage retains most extensive installation of Asphaleria machinery in
London: 1899-1902 by Edwin O. Sachs. Present building the successor of
Theatres Royal and Operas since 1731, still under Royal patent. Stuccoed
extension in same style to west with fly tower, 1980.
Survey of London; Vol. XXXV.
Listing NGR: TQ3036281019
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
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