52 Belfast Grand Opera House
BELFAST GRAND OPERA HOUSE
The £ 12.2 million restoration and development of the Grand Opera House in Belfast has been completed , allowing the Grand Opera House Trust and its Chief Executive to plan for its fullreopening in line with the recovery from the covid-19 pandemic .
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 results of the restoration project were recently unveiled to key stakeholders , and the Theatre will reopen to the public with bookable Theatre Tours in July . These tours will precede the full reopening of the Theatre for performances later in the year , subject to the covid-19 public health guidance at that time .
The restoration project , which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund , Department for Communities , Arts
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 .