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National Opera and Ballet Theatre

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National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)

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The Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Vilnius is the country's premiere venue for classical music and performing arts. The current building was completed in 1974, designed by architect Elena Nijolė Bučiūtė, and is regarded as an outstanding example of late modernist architecture in Lithuania. It is characterized by its monumental glass and concrete facade and a grand foyer adorned with spectacular chandeliers. The theatre's history dates back to 1920, when it was originally founded in Kaunas before moving to the capital. The main auditorium accommodates over 1,100 spectators and features state-of-the-art stage technology for complex productions. Each year, the theatre hosts numerous premieres of opera and ballet, showcasing both national and international artists. Located on the banks of the Neris River, the theatre is a cultural cornerstone of Vilnius, also well-known for its summer open-air performances.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-7-6-16131619181361-4
Rain mm5243444774771028354685654

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The impressive theater building can be admired from the outside at any time, while the elegant interiors and the main hall are primarily accessible during scheduled performances or guided tours.
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Typical hours
The box offices usually open a few hours before evening performances; during the day, there are generally set times for ticket sales and occasional guided visitor tours through the venue.
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Photography
The massive glass facade in late modernist style provides an excellent subject for architectural photographers, especially at dusk; during performances, photography in the hall is strictly prohibited.
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Time needed
Viewing the fascinating exterior architecture takes only about twenty minutes, whereas attending a complete opera or ballet performance will typically occupy an entire evening's schedule.
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Combine with
Thanks to its central location in Vilnius, the theater is perfectly combined with a stroll along the Neris River or a visit to the nearby historic Old Town with its numerous characterful cafes.
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Getting there
The building is easily accessible both on foot from the center and by the capital's public transportation network; paid parking facilities are also readily available in the surrounding area.
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Insider tip
Check the current schedule early and book your tickets well in advance, as popular performances at this significant cultural venue are very often sold out weeks ahead of the actual event date.

Geography

Coordinates
54.68940, 25.27920

Facts

  • The theatre's first opera performance was Verdi's 'La Traviata' in 1920.
  • The current building in Vilnius was inaugurated on August 2, 1974.
  • The auditorium has a total capacity of 1,149 seats.
  • The stage covers an area of approximately 600 square meters.
  • The stage technology underwent a major modernization in 2003.
  • Architect Elena Nijolė Bučiūtė was awarded the State Prize for this design.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Neris RiverNeris River<1 km · NEExplore →
St. Casimir's ChurchSt. Casimir's Church1 km · SEExplore →
Church of St. Peter and St. PaulChurch of St. Peter and St. Paul2 km · EExplore →
Akropolis VilniusAkropolis Vilnius3 km · NWExplore →
Vilnius TV TowerVilnius TV Tower4 km · WExplore →
Pavilniai Regional ParkPavilniai Regional Park5 km · EExplore →
Rokantiškės HillRokantiškės Hill6 km · EExplore →
Verkių Regional ParkVerkių Regional Park7 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town National Opera and Ballet Theatre (10)

Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre

Opera and ballet house in Vilnius, hosting performances on a large stage.

♿

Vytautas Kasiulis Museum of Art🏛 museum

Museum in Vilnius, displaying works of Lithuanian painter Vytautas Kasiulis.

🕒 Tu-We,Fr 10:00-18:00; Th 11:00-20:00; Sa-Su 10:00-17:00; PH ♿

Vilniaus Kongresų rūmai

Congress center in Vilnius, used for conferences and concerts.

♿

Beatrice's House🏛 museum

Museum in Vilnius, dedicated to the life and work of poet Beatričė Grincevičiūtė.

🕒 Tu-Fr 15:00-19:00; Sa-Su 11:00-19:00

Vaidilos teatras

Theatre in Vilnius, focusing on Lithuanian drama and performances.

Vincas Kudirka square🌳 park

Square in Vilnius, named after Lithuanian poet and physician Vincas Kudirka.

Stasio Vainiūno namai-muziejus🏛 museum

Museum in Vilnius, open only by prior phone appointment.

Green Bridge

Bridge in Vilnius over the Neris, known for its four sculpture groups.

State Small Theatre of Vilnius

State theatre in Vilnius, featuring a small stage and intimate setting.

Saint-George Catholic church

Catholic church in Vilnius, located in the historic city center.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do I buy tickets for the National Theatre?
Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office at A. Vienuolio g. 1 in Vilnius.
Is there a dress code?
Elegant or formal attire is recommended to match the solemn atmosphere of the theatre.
When does the season begin?
The opera season usually begins in September and lasts until June of the following year.
Is the building accessible?
Yes, the theatre is equipped with elevators and special spaces for wheelchair users.
Are there behind-the-scenes tours?
Yes, the theatre has organized tours of the building by prior arrangement.
National Opera and Ballet Theatre: where is it located?
National Opera and Ballet Theatre is located in Lithuania.
National Opera and Ballet Theatre: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, Vytautas Kasiulis Museum of Art, Vilniaus Kongresų rūmai.
National Opera and Ballet Theatre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
National Opera and Ballet Theatre: why is it worth visiting?
The Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Vilnius is the country's premiere venue for classical music and performing arts.
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Nearby cities

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Alytus
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Alytus area — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Alytus area
The area around Alytus lies on the banks of the Nemunas.
Jonava — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
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Jonava is a city in central Lithuania known for its chemical industry.
Utena — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
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Utena is an industrial city in eastern Lithuania and one of the oldest settlements in the country.
Kėdainiai Old Town — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Kėdainiai Old Town
Kėdainiai was a major Reformation center in the 17th century.
Kėdainiai — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Kėdainiai
Kėdainiai is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and possesses a well-preserved old town.
Ukmergė — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Ukmergė
Ukmergė is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.
Ukmergė area — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Ukmergė area
The rural area around Ukmergė offers a varied landscape with many historical manors.
Elektrėnai — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
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Elektrėnai is a modern city founded during the Soviet era as a residence for the workers of the local power plant.
Grigiškės — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
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Grigiškės is an industrial city west of Vilnius on the Voke River.
Anykščiai — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Anykščiai
Anykščiai is known as the literary capital of Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.
Trakų Vokė — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Trakų Vokė
Trakų Vokė is located in the suburban area of Vilnius.
Lentvaris — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
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Lentvaris is an industrial city near Vilnius and Trakai.
Garliava — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Garliava
Garliava is a growing city located immediately south of Kaunas.
Kaišiadorys — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Kaišiadorys
Kaišiadorys is an important railway junction between Vilnius and Kaunas.

History & landmarks

Vilnius Old Town — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval town centers in Northern Europe.
Kaunas Town Hall — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Kaunas Town Hall
The Town Hall in the main square of Kaunas is often called the 'White Swan' due to its elegant shape and white facade.
Vilnius Town Hall — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Vilnius Town Hall
A Neoclassical landmark in the heart of the Old Town, designed by Laurynas Gucevičius.
Merkinė — National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Lithuania)
Merkinė
A historic settlement at the confluence of the Nemunas and Merkys rivers, famous for its massive hillfort.