Plan Your Visit
Your experience is important to us!
Here is some helpful information to get the most out of your visit. If you have a specific question or need help planning your visit, please call our staff at 302-442-7807.
VENUES & SEATING
Our performances take place either at the OperaDelaware Studios (4 S. Poplar St. Wilmington) which includes the Ethel L. Sayre Recital Hall and the Presser Black Box Theater, or at The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington). PLEASE CONSULT YOUR TICKET TO VERIFY PERFORMANCE LOCATION.
Seating can vary by performance, so please consult the detailed seating charts on our online Box Office pages. To view, select the date/performance you are interested in to see the full seating map with prices. Outdoor performances are bring-your-own-chair events.
Note about accessibility: All of our venues equipped with elevators and are wheelchair accessible. If you or someone in your party requires wheelchair seating or has mobility issues, please notify the Box Office (302-442-7807) at the time of your order.
OPERADELAWARE STUDIOS
Concerts and recitals take place at the OperaDelaware Studios, located at 4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington, DE 19801 on the Christina Riverfront. The Presser Black Box Theater is located on the ground floor; the Ethel L. Sayre Recital Hall is located on the second floor.
DIRECTIONS: For point-to-point directions to the OperaDelaware Studios (4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington, DE), please go here.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to current construction on I-95, there may be delays or detours. Please refer to restorethecorridor.com for travel advisories and detours.
PARKING: There is ample parking in the lot located directly in front of the Studios. Overflow parking is available on Front St.
THE GRAND
Our main-stage performances for the 2021/22 season take place in Copeland Hall at The Grand, located at 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801.
DIRECTIONS: For point-to-point directions to the The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801), please go here.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to current construction on I-95, there may be delays or detours. Please refer to restorethecorridor.com for travel advisories and detours.
PARKING: Metered parking can be found on surrounding streets and is free after 6 pm and on weekends. Garage parking is also available, including:
DoubleTree Hotel garage (King St. and 8th St.)
Colonial parking (multiple locations; please check Colonial’s website)
Please check with garages for hours of operation, as they are subject to change. For more info on parking in Downtown Wilmington, please see visitwilmingtonde.com.
TRANSPORTATION
OperaDelaware is located in Wilmington, DE, which is just a short trip from major cities including Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York City, and Washington, D.C. The OperaDelaware Studios and The Grand are just a few blocks from the Amtrak and Greyhound bus stations and are easily accessible by public transportation.
For travel by car, Wilmington is located just off I-95, I-495, I-295, and the New Jersey Turnpike/Delaware Memorial Bridge. For travel by train, both Amtrak and SEPTA make frequent daily stops at the Downtown Wilmington train station (WIL). For travel by plane, the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and the New Castle County Airport (ILG) are about a 20-minute car ride from Downtown Wilmington.
AMTRAK train schedule
SEPTA train schedule
DART local bus schedule
GREYHOUND bus schedule
DINING
Wilmington has a fantastic culinary scene spanning everything from fine dining to casual brew pubs run by James Beard–nominated chefs. The Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau website (visitwilmingtonde.com) has a great Restaurant Finder tool searchable by cuisine, amenities, and region.
Restaurants/Bars near The Grand:
Bardea Food & Drink
Chelsea Tavern
DE.CO
La Fia
Le Cavalier at the Hotel Du Pont
Merchant Bar
Stitch House Brewery
Restaurants/Bars near the OperaDelaware Studios:
Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar
Docklands
Big Fish Grill on The Riverfront
Del Pez
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Wilmington Riverfront
We also recommend:
Snuff Mill
Piccolina Toscana
Columbus Inn
The House of William & Merry
CONCESSIONS
Both the OperaDelaware Studios and The Grand have bars that sell wine, beer, water, soda, and light snacks. Some performances at the OperaDelaware Studios also offer sandwiches from Casapulla’s. Drinks are permitted in all performances. Patrons are also welcome to bring their own refreshments to outdoor performances at the OperaDelaware Studios.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
There are several lovely hotels in downtown Wilmington within walking distance to The Grand or just a short drive to the OperaDelaware Studios:
PREFERRED HOTEL:
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown:
Special pricing for OD patrons with the Celebrate the Arts Package
(includes breakfast for 2 guests daily, WiFi, and parking)
We also recommend:
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington
Courtyard Wilmington / Downtown by the Marriott
Hotel Du Pont
For a full listing of area hotels, please see visitwilmingtonde.com.
We love to welcome newcomers to the opera! Look for OD staffers stationed throughout the venues—we're always happy to meet new patrons and assist in any way possible. Below, please see the answers to a few frequently asked questions:
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
We suggest arriving at 30+ minutes prior to the start of the performance to complete the safety protocol check in and to find your seat. Our performances begin at the advertised start time. Late seating (when available) will take place at the first appropriate break in the performance.
HOW LONG IS THE PERFORMANCE?
Each performance is different, but our main-stage operas generally run around 2.5 hours plus intermission, while our concerts and recitals are about 1.5 hours plus intermission. More accurate timings for each show will be posted on individual event pages prior to performances.
WILL I UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY’RE SINGING?
Yes! All of our performances—even those in English—are accompanied by English subtitles that are projected on large screens above the stage. For select outdoor performances, live supertitles are also available on any web-enabled mobile device through LiveNote.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You will see all levels of dress at our events, from tuxedos and cocktail dresses to khakis and jeans. If you want to play it safe, business attire is a good bet. For outdoor performances, casual and comfortable is the name of the game!
IS IT OKAY TO APPLAUD?
Absolutely! Patrons typically clap at the end of an aria (or song) and at the end of the performance. If you want to sound like a true opera aficionado, shout the following during applause:
Bravo (BRAH voh): for a male singer
Brava (BRAH vah): for a female singer
Bravi Tutti (BRAH vee TOO tee): for a group of singers
CAN I TAKE A SELFIE?
Sure, but only before or after a performance or during intermission, please. Don't forget tag us at #operade when posting on social media! Please refrain from recording or photographing during a performance, and remember to silence all cell phones.
ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?
Yes! A good rule of thumb: If your child can sit through a full-length movie, he/she will probably enjoy an opera. Please use your own discretion as to whether the subject matter in each production is appropriate for your child. See the individual event pages for descriptions. If you're unsure if a performance is appropriate, just call our Box Office (302-442-7807) and speak with an associate. Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult and have their own tickets. Child ticket prices are available by calling the Box Office.