The Greek National Opera’s move to its new home at the GNO marks the beginning of a new chapter in its long history. At its new facilities, it has the opportunity to further expand its multifaceted activities as both an artistic and educational organization: opera, ballet, experimental projects, children’s performances, educational programs, training the next generation of dancers, and community outreach initiatives make up its program.

The new building of the Greek National Opera covers 28,000 square meters and is one of the most important opera houses in the world. The thoughtful organization and design of the space, as well as its state-of-the-art technical equipment, make the new building capable of hosting even the most demanding opera and ballet performances and offer the Greek National Opera unlimited possibilities. Specifically, the Stavros Niarchos Hall boasts unparalleled acoustics and aesthetics, along with unique technical specifications, and the Alternative Stage is a multifaceted space for experimentation and exploration, equipped with state-of-the-art support facilities.

“From the very beginning, we envisioned the Greek National Opera building as an open space, dedicated to all genres of music. Like all the spaces in this project, it has a multifaceted and complex function.” — Renzo Piano

Stavros Niarchos Hall

The Stavros Niarchos Hall, with a capacity of 1,400 seats, was designed to meet very demanding acoustic specifications. The space is horseshoe-shaped, providing the large volume required for optimal acoustics, and features three balconies and a gallery surrounding the auditorium, all clad with acoustic panels made of American cherry wood. The shape and volume of the wooden cladding and the ceiling were determined by the space’s acoustic requirements. Its acoustic characteristics can be adjusted using acoustic curtains that open along the perimeter walls, allowing the hall to adapt to the acoustic requirements of each musical genre.

A long-term and thorough study was conducted to design the seats, which vary depending on their location in the auditorium to ensure optimal visibility from every seat. Five different seat types were designed, featuring three different heights and three different angles. The use of red on the walls (Anégre wood finished in red) is a nod to traditional opera houses with their red velvet, but the minimalism in the architectural details and the interplay of the materials and textures used give the hall a contemporary feel.

Another element that reinforces this feeling is the replacement of the classic chandelier with a multi-lighted, moving sculpture by Japanese artist Susumu Shingu. The work is titled *Cosmos* and is accompanied by the phrase:“Time flows effortlessly through the vastness of space.” Shortly before the performance begins, the sculpture rises upward so as not to obstruct the view. The ceiling features a smile-shaped opening that cleverly conceals the technical equipment.

The stage of the Stavros Niarchos Hall measures 16×16 meters. In addition, there are two side stages and one rear stage, each the same size as the main stage. The multiple stages and automated mechanisms allow for quick and easy set changes. The Stage Tower has a total height of 44 meters, 12 of which constitute the fly tower. The special flooring for ballet performances is stored vertically in the Stage Tower and can be reinstalled on stage in just a few minutes. The orchestra pit can accommodate up to 115 musicians and can be adjusted in size according to the requirements of each performance.

Alternative Stage

The Alternative Stage auditorium, with a capacity of 300–400 seats, is designed as a multipurpose venue with a wide range of possibilities, focused on contemporary creation and new forms of artistic expression. It is equipped with retractable seats that can be hidden from view at the push of a button, and flexible stage mechanisms that make it versatile, offering the possibility of a wide range of alternative ways to configure the space.

It is essentially a simple rectangular space designed as a “black box” , surrounded by two levels of balconies designed to accommodate both the audience and technical support during performances. The hall is lined with acoustic panels made of American cherry wood, which reflect sound and shape the room’s acoustics. There are also acoustic curtains on the balconies, which are used to adjust the acoustics according to the requirements of each type of performance. To enhance the venue’s versatility, the seats in the Alternative Stage can be completely removed to create a single, open space.

Foyer

Another kinetic sculpture by Susumu Shingu, made of aluminum and fabric, adorns the ceiling in the foyer of the Greek National Opera. The work is titled *Epic* and is accompanied by the phrase:“Far from everyday life, joy and anticipation are gradually set free.”

Test Rooms

The Rehearsal Halls are located on the fifth floor of the Greek National Opera building. They include:

  • The orchestra’s rehearsal hall, measuring 19×21 m, can accommodate 120 musicians and has the same acoustic characteristics as the Stavros Niarchos Hall. Through its on-site studio, recordings can be made in all rehearsal halls.
  • The choir rehearsal room measures 14×14 m. Its walls are lined with multi-faceted sound-absorbing and sound-diffusing panels.
  • There are many ballet rehearsal studios, the largest of which measures 16×19 m and has heated floors.
  • Five separate rehearsal spaces for solo musicians.