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Grand Opera House

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Exterior of the Grand Opera House. The building was designed by Frank Matcham and is an example of the Oriental style of architecture. It opened on December 23, 1895. Belfast, Ireland.

Built in 1895, the Grand Opera House (goh.co.uk) is one of Belfast’s great Victorian landmarks. The best way to experience the building’s grandeur is to attend a performance; the Opera House hosts visiting drama, ballet, opera, dance and musical companies, but you’ll need to buy tickets in advance.

Otherwise, the theater’s interior can be seen on the one-hour-long, Saturday morning guided tour (adult/child £12.50/9, book in advance). These take in the inner workings of the theater and offer a glimpse backstage, as well as an opportunity to view the swirling wood and plasterwork, fancy gilt work, painted ceiling panels and carved elephant heads of the interior.

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