Royal Opera House, Linbury Theatre

The Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden is one of the world’s leading performing arts venues, home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and world-class performances that attract audiences from across the globe.

As part of its landmark “Open Up” redevelopment, the Royal Opera House needed seating solutions that would enhance comfort, preserve heritage, and complement the grandeur of its iconic architecture.

Project Overview

The “Open Up” project reimagined the Royal Opera House as a more welcoming and accessible space, offering visitors new opportunities to experience its cultural magic. Seating was a crucial part of this transformation, with goals including:

  • Designing auditorium seating that balances modern comfort with heritage aesthetics
  • Using premium materials and craftsmanship to match the Opera House’s exacting standards
  • Delivering products that endure high usage while maintaining elegance over time

The seating design needed to respect the history of the venue while meeting the needs of 21st-century audiences.

Our Contribution

Race Furniture was proud to collaborate on this prestigious project, supplying bespoke seating for both the main auditorium and public spaces. Our contribution included:

  • Auditorium Seating: Crafting chairs that combine contemporary comfort with classic styling, designed to complement the restored interiors
  • Attention to Detail: Working with premium fabrics, finishes, and materials in keeping with the venue’s design ethos
  • Collaborative Design Process: Partnering with architects and design teams to ensure every piece fitted seamlessly into the Opera House’s vision

Our focus was on blending beauty, durability, and ergonomic design for a world-class visitor experience.

Outcome

The Royal Opera House reopened with transformed spaces that are now brighter, more open, and more inviting to audiences old and new. Race Furniture is proud to have contributed to one of the UK’s most iconic cultural venues, supporting its mission to make the arts accessible to all while preserving its rich history.