Take a look at the all new Grand Opera House Belfast

There's a real buzz in the city right now! With live music and theatre making a welcome return in the next few months.

One of Belfast's landmark buildings has undergone a total transformation during lockdown, and it's exciting news to hear that the development of the Grand Opera House is now complete.

The Grand Opera House was originally designed by the leading Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham and opened on 23 December 1895. Many of the world’s leading actors, singers, dancers and entertainers have appeared on its stage, including Charlie Chaplin, Sarah Bernhardt, Laurence Olivier, Vera Lynn, Luciano Pavarotti, Darcey Bussell and Laurel and Hardy.

Public Theatre Tours are expected to return from July ahead of the Theatre reopening for performances in autumn.

The restoration project, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Department for Communities, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and The Wolfson Foundation, has seen the auditorium’s paintings and decorative and ornate plasterwork painstakingly restored and conserved, as well as new seating, carpets, curtains and drapes installed.

The design of the foyer and public spaces has been totally reimagined, with a new bar installed in the restored 1980 glass extension overhanging Great Victoria Street, as well as beautifully refurbished stalls and circle bars.

As part of the project, the Theatre’s technical infrastructure has been upgraded and a permanent heritage exhibition installed telling the fascinating story of the Theatre’s 125-year history. Facilities for those customers with access needs have also been greatly enhanced throughout.

Speaking about the completion of the project Colin Loughran, Chairman of the Grand Opera House Trust, said: "Today is a momentous day in the long and proud history of the Grand Opera House and represents a significant ray of light in the darkness of the last year."

"The ambitious restoration project has delivered fantastic results and we are hugely confident that it will ensure the Theatre remains on the world stage as a centre for theatregoing and as a Belfast visitor and tourist attraction. We would like to thank our funding partners for their unwavering support which has helped to secure the Theatre for generations to come."

RoisÍn McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: "The Arts Council is very pleased to see work completed on this important historic building and we very much look forward to the day when it can reopen fully and once again welcome back audiences to enjoy shows in this beautiful Theatre."

"The Arts Council has funded the Grand Opera House for many years, and we recognise its value as one of the city’s most important cultural assets and the enormous contribution it makes to the local economy. This vital restoration work will ensure the Theatre’s place for future generations of audiences, actors and theatre makers, protecting one of our most celebrated and treasured cultural landmarks for many years to come."

Theatre Tours are now available for booking on the Theatre’s website at goh.co.uk and will be subject to the latest covid public health guidance and social distancing rules at all times.

Take a closer look at some of the new features:

Read more:

50 things to see and do in Northern Ireland this summer

Hidden gems you can explore for FREE across Northern Ireland

Outdoor attractions across Northern Ireland kids are going to love this summer

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.

• Places to Visit
• Theatre
• Belfast City Centre
• grand opera house belfast