
Brooklyn, NY
The Howard Gilman Opera House stands as the crown jewel of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, one of America's oldest and most prestigious performing arts institutions. This grand opera house serves as home to world-class opera, ballet, and theatrical productions, continuing BAM's legacy of presenting both classical masterworks and groundbreaking contemporary works. The venue attracts international touring companies and serves as a launching pad for innovative productions that often transfer to major stages worldwide.
Stepping into the Howard Gilman Opera House feels like entering a temple dedicated to the performing arts. The space combines old-world elegance with modern technical capabilities, creating an atmosphere that honors tradition while embracing artistic innovation. The acoustics are finely tuned for both intimate chamber works and full-scale operatic spectacles, while the sightlines ensure that every seat offers a compelling view of the stage. The venue's design creates an sense of occasion that elevates every performance, whether you're witnessing a beloved classic or a world premiere.
Located in the heart of Fort Greene, the opera house anchors Brooklyn's most vibrant cultural district. The surrounding neighborhood pulses with creative energy, featuring trendy restaurants, historic brownstones, and a thriving arts scene that extends well beyond BAM's walls. Arriving for an evening performance, you'll find yourself part of Brooklyn's sophisticated cultural community, where art lovers gather to experience performances that often challenge conventions and redefine what theater and music can be.
Discover the magic of this legendary venue by exploring the upcoming performances at Howard Gilman Opera House on CultureTicks.
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Nearby restaurants
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Finish dinner 30+ minutes before showtime. Most restaurants offer pre-theater menus.
Highly recommended, especially for evening performances. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Most listed restaurants are within 5-10 minutes walk. Factor in extra time during busy hours.
Based on 768 Google reviews
Beautiful Theater. All the host was extremely helpful and served with a ," Smile." Each speaker on the 1 pm was extremely knowledgeable. This was a wonderful Experience!!!!
I recently attended two different performances by Alvin Ailey Dance at BAM. The venue has great acoustics but I found that the sight lines on the orchestra level dropped off dramatically between the center (first night) and the sides of the theater (second night). The HVAC also had some issues keeping the temps down on a warm evening. Dress for the weather outside in the summer.
It was my first time coming to this theater. It's a very convenient location and the theater is beautiful. The acoustic is great for a rock concert and I'm sure it's even better for opera or a stage show. The staffs are very courteous, that makes the experience even better. I was seated in the balcony section and I got a great view of the whole stage, I suspect there are no bad seats in the house (other than the ones next to the support columns). Be careful walking up and down the stairs, as they are very steep and quite a few people tripped. Although that's common for theater designs, please be careful to avoid injuries. The bathrooms are kept very clean and that's always a plus. I came here to see Madonna and I went home happy though she kept the whole theater waiting till 10:30.
What an afternoon! We watched Alvin Ailey American Dance theater at BAM! Simply amazing! Please try to see this experience if you can make it! Breath taking performance.
Movie was sold out but they still let me buy popcorn to go since my movie night was relocating to my home. I wouldn’t expect this treatment always since they’re not a takeout place but it was a kind gesture. Honestly, the best popcorn ever with the right amount of butter.
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Common questions about visiting
Check the Events tab on this page for all upcoming performances at Howard Gilman Opera House at Brooklyn Academy of Music. You can filter by genre and date to find shows that interest you.
Visit the "Getting There" section for directions, parking information, and public transit options for Howard Gilman Opera House at Brooklyn Academy of Music. We also include nearby restaurant recommendations for a complete night out.
Most performing arts venues offer accessible seating and accommodations. Contact Howard Gilman Opera House at Brooklyn Academy of Music directly for specific accessibility information, including wheelchair access, hearing assistance, and service animal policies.
Review the venue details section for important information including capacity, seating layout, and house rules. Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended, especially for popular performances.
We recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes before the performance start time to allow for parking, security screening, and finding your seats. Some venues may have stricter arrival policies for late seating.
Photography and video recording are typically not permitted during performances out of respect for the artists and other patrons. Please check with the specific venue for their policy.
Ticket sales are final. However, if a performance is cancelled or significantly rescheduled, refunds will be issued. Please review our terms and conditions for complete details.
Most venues have bag size restrictions. Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are typically not permitted. Small purses and clutches are usually allowed. Check the venue's specific bag policy before attending.
Howard Gilman Opera House at Brooklyn Academy of Music is committed to accessible services
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout the venue. Please contact the box office when purchasing tickets to ensure appropriate accommodations.
Assistive listening devices are available for patrons who are hard of hearing. Please inquire at the venue or when purchasing tickets.
Service animals are welcome at all performances. Please notify staff upon arrival.
For specific accessibility questions, please contact the venue directly or reach out to our support team.