I lost my wallet at the Opera House, where should I enquire about it?
You can enquire after lost property from our concierge via telephone at (09) 4030 2306. Any belongings left behind are delivered biweekly to the lost property office of Suomen löytötavarapiste. We cannot accept responsibility for our visitors’ personal items.
Who designed the Opera House?
The Opera House was designed by Hyvämäki–Karhunen–Parkkinen architects. The Opera House was completed in 1993.
How much room is there?
The Main Stage seats 1,305, while Almi Hall seats 200 to 500, depending on the configuration.
How long is the interval?
The interval is about 25 minutes long. Some performances have two intervals, though most have just one.
Is the interval included in the estimated total duration?
Yes, the interval is included in the estimated total duration.
How long is the performance?
The duration of a performance depends on the work being performed. Information on the duration of the performance may be found in the insert in the programme booklet. The duration of each performance is also given for each production on the FNO website.
How do I find my seat?
You should enter the auditorium according to what it says on your ticket – left or right. The stalls are located on the same level as the Main Foyer. Access to the balcony is by lift or by stairs. Row numbers are at the ends of rows, and seat numbers are on the seats. Every ticket has a designated seat. You may look for your seat in the seating plan beforehand to find out where your seat is located in the Main Stage or Almi Hall. Seating plans are displayed at the Opera House and are also available on our website. Staff will be happy to help you find your seat.
Where are the toilets?
There are several restrooms in the Opera House: in the Alfons Lobby near Töölönlahti entrance, the Aino Lobby near main entrance (Mannerheimintie side) and Juha Corner in the Main Foyer. An accessible toilet is available in the Alfons Lobby near the Töölönlahti entrance.
Where is the lift?
The lift is in the Alfons Lobby on the Töölönlahti entrance. Access to the 1st and 2nd balconies is by lift.
How should I dress? Should I dress formally for a premiere?
The FNOB is intended for everyone, and because of this there is no dress code. You are equally welcome whether you like to dress formally or in jeans and pullover.
Having said that, we should note that there is a tendency to dress more formally than normal: men often wear a jacket and tie or a suit, and women sometimes appear in full-length formal gowns. Premieres have a touch more glamour about them, and the dress sense of the audience tends to reflect this.
As we said, there is no dress code, but audiences seem to want to dress up just a bit when coming to the opera. It is up to you.
Can I go to the toilet if I need to?
We do not allow people to leave the auditorium in the middle of a performance, as we wish to guarantee an undisrupted performance for the audience and performers alike. If you have to leave the auditorium in the middle of a performance, you can only re-enter after the interval.
Why can I not get in if I am late?
We do not admit late arrivals, as we wish to guarantee an undisrupted performance for the audience and performers alike. Should you arrive late, please ask for the concierge in the lobby or foyer to assist you.
Can I take pictures during the performance?
For copyright reasons, taking photos and recording music in our performances is strictly forbidden. Not to worry, however, as you’ll find lovely photos of each production on our website. On the other hand, taking photos and videos of the curtain call and updating your social media in our foyers is permitted, even very much encouraged! Share the magic moments and tag your photos with @oopperabaletti so we can see them, too. Please don’t share photos of other visitors without their permission.