Plan Your Visit

The safety, comfort and satisfaction of our patrons is important to everyone at San Francisco Opera.  Browse the topics on the right for quick answers to questions about attending a performance at the War Memorial Opera House.  Enjoy the show!

• First Time Visitors

  
  Explore helpful hints and tips to familiarize yourself with the Opera House. Discover travel tips, house services, and more.

  Learn More

• Pre-Opera Talks

  
  Perfect for newcomers, our Pre-Opera Talks are engaging 20-minute overviews of each opera. Learn about the opera’s music, characters, composer and historical background from a local music expert.

  Learn More

• Frequently Asked Questions

  
  Seating, Ticketing, and Visitor Guidelines

  FAQs

• Directions and Parking

  
  Here's how to get here and where to park.

  Learn More

• Where to Eat

  
  Browse the dining options in the Opera House and around the neighborhood.

  Dining

• Upcoming Traffic Advisories

  ⚠️ TRAFFIC ALERT FOR 9/13: There is an outdoor concert taking place in Civic Center on Sunday, September 13 from 3–7pm. Please plan for potential increased traffic to the Opera House. 

  Tips to make your travel day smoother:

  • Give yourself extra travel time to get to the Opera House.
  • Consider taking mass transit due to limited parking options.
  • Try to approach Civic Center via Hayes Valley to avoid the highest concentration of traffic near and around Market Street.
  • Make an evening of it! There are several wonderful shops and restaurants in Hayes Valley. Come in early for some dinner and consider staying for a post-performance drink or meal in the neighborhood.
• Security Measures

  War Memorial & Performing Arts Center Security Measures 

  • Starting with the September 14 performance of Dead Man Walking, the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center will begin a fast, frictionless patron screening system that will not require patrons to stop, empty their pockets, or open their bags.
  • These systems will be located on the north and south carriage entrances, and the main entrance on Van Ness. Tickets will be scanned before they are screened. 
  • Patrons or visitors with medically implanted devices may enter through the system as it is considered safe with low risk. Patrons can check with their doctor or proceed through a secondary screening location where they will be screened with handheld wands.
  • If you have further questions or would like to learn more, visit the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center website here 
  • All bags are subject to search upon arrival.  Currently, clear bags are not required.
  • Patrons may bring bags into the auditorium, but they must fit under the seat or on the patron’s lap (approximately 14 in. x 14 in. x 6 in.).
  • Patrons with large items, inclusive of, but not limited to large backpacks, luggage, shopping bags, and other large packages that will not fit comfortably at the seat will be asked to check those items at coat check.
  • The War Memorial Performing Arts Center reserves the right to screen patron bags upon request.

   

   
• Opera Shop

  
  Visit us on the Mezzanine level of the Opera House pre-show and during intermission.

  shop online

   

• Accessibility

  We are committed to providing easy access for all patrons.  Prior to your visit you can learn more about the Opera House and accessibility by clicking the Learn More button below. 

  Our friendly Box Office can also be reached at 415-864-3330 to help answer any questions.

  Learn More

• Opera Glasses

   

  Rentals for opera glasses are $5. 
  You will leave your ID with the north coat check.