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accessibility

Accessible opera and ballet experiences

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet is for every one of us. On this page you’ll learn more about our accessibility practices at the Opera House. After your arrival, our lobby personnel are happy to assist you in the foyers, lobbies and cloakrooms.

Accessible seats

Accessible seats are only sold at our customer service point. Please reserve your accessible seat at least one week before the performance from the Finnish National Opera and Ballet customer services. See our customer service opening times and contact details. Please note that student discounts also apply to accessible seats.

If you are entitled to bring a support person or assistant with you (The EU Disability Card), they will receive a complimentary ticket. Please note that proof of eligibility will be required upon arrival. In other cases, please consult our customer servies for more information.

The wheelchair accessible seats in the Main Stage auditorium are located in Boxes 3 and 4 of the 1st Balcony and Boxes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the 2nd Balcony. There is a lift to the 1st and 2nd Balconies. The Stalls and the 3rd Balcony can only be reached via stairs.

There are accessible seats in Almi Hall, too, and the accessible entrance to the hall is via a dedicated lift. The lift is located on the left of the stairs leading up to the hall.

For seat maps of the Main Stage and Almi Hall, please visit the Stages page.

Entrances and parking

The address of the Opera House is Helsinginkatu 58, Helsinki. There are two entrances: the main entrance is on Mannerheimintie and the back entrance is on Oopperankuja by the Töölönlahti bay.

The car park of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, located in front of the accessible Töölönlahti bay entrance, is reserved for visitors with limited mobility.

Get acquianted with the Opera House in advance

With our foyer layout maps you can get acquainted with accessible routes and services in advance. You will find a free cloakroom next to the Töölönlahti bay entrance as you come in, at the back of the foyer.

Accessible toilets are located in the Alfons Lobby near the Töölönlahti bay entrance and at each end of the auditorium on the second balcony.

Hearing loop

A hearing loop in our Main Stage auditorium improves the listening experience for people with hearing aids. The hearing loop covers the entire auditorium with a receiver available from the customer service desk in the lobby. The receiver is also compatible with standard headphones. You can enquire about the receiver when buying tickets or arriving at a performance. Our lobby personnel are happy to assist you in using the device.

Hearing loop in the Customer service point

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet customer service point next to the Töölönlahti bay entrance has been fitted with a one-to-one hearing loop system. The one-to-one hearing loop transmits sound directly from the microphone of the customer service representative to the hearing aid, eliminating background noise. The customer service counter with the one-to-one hearing loop can be identified by a special symbol.

Surtitles

As is the international custom, we mostly perform operas in their original language. The surtitles above the stage, usually in Finnish, Swedish and English, make it easier to follow the story.

Performances interpreted in sign language

Every year one opera production at the Finnish National Opera is interpreted in sign language. In the 2023–2024 season, performances of Eugene Onegin will be interpreted into sign language on Wed 14.2.2024 at 19:00 and Sat 16.3.2024 at 19:00.

For the best view of the interpretation, we recommend choosing a seat on the left side of the Stalls. The interpreters typically stand on the left side of the stage as seen from the audience.

To enquire about the best seats to follow the sign language interpretation, you can also email our group sales at liput[at]opera.fi.

Refreshments

The accessible tables of the Opera Restaurant are located on the same floors as the accessible seats in the auditorium (1st and 2nd Balcony). Accessible tables can’t be reserved in advance in the online store. If you need an accessible table, we recommend that you order your refreshments well in advance and advice our customer services about your needs. You’ll find the contact details of the Opera Restaurant here.

Perfume and fragrances

Unfortunately we are unable to offer completely scent-free performances or seats. Please take your fellow visitors into consideration when applying perfume or aftershave.

Lights, sounds and special effects

Some of our performances may contain very bright or intensely flashing lights, loud sounds or smoke machines. More information about these and other special effects is available on each production page. If you’re concerned about whether the production is suitable for you, please contact our customer services for assistance. If you need earplugs, ask our lobby personnell for help.

Culture companions

Did you know that you’re welcome to watch the dress rehearsals of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet together with a Culture Companion? Culture Companions are volunteers in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa who can join you at cultural events. Learn more about Culture Companions.

More information and feedback

If you’d like to give us feedback regarding accessibility, please contact our customer services. Our aim is to constantly develop our service, so we’d love to hear all your comments and suggestions.

Discover how our website meets legal accessibility requirements for digital services by reviewing our accessibility statement.