We want you to have the best experience possible at our productions, concerts and events. To help make sure your experience is a pleasurable one, we have collected some helpful information for your opera journey.
Parking & Accessibility
St. Cecilia Music Center
24 Ransom NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Parking
SCMC’s parking lot offers 50 parking spaces on a first-come, first-served basis for our events. If the lot is full when you arrive, the following options are within walking distance to St. Cecilia Music Center:
- Park Congregational Church, 10 E Park Place NE: Entrance located directly across from the SCMC lot, Park Church charges a fee of $10 for parking. The automated machine will accept $1, $5 and $10 bills but will not provide change.
- Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St. NE: The library charges $1.10/half hour weekdays and offers free parking on the weekends.
- GRCC Parking Ramp, 140 Bostwick Ave NE: Entrances both on Ransom St. and at the corner of Bostwick Ave and Fountain St. The GRCC ramp charges $2/half hour with a $12/day maximum or a maximum charge of $6 when entering after 5pm or on the weekends. Their pay in lane machines accept cash, credit and debit cards.
- Most city meters are free after 6pm and on the weekends. Be sure to verify the schedule posted on the actual meter to avoid fines.
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Parking
Parking facilities at DeVos Performance Hall are managed by the City of Grand Rapids. Metered parking is also available on the streets surrounding the convention center.
- Parking meters are enforced Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Parking meters on Monroe Center are enforced on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Parking meters are free after 5 p.m. — unless they are marked as enforced.
Please refer to the provided map for parking locations and rates, or contact The City of Grand Rapids Parking Services at 616-456-3290.
Visit the City of Grand Rapids website for more information about parking in downtown Grand Rapids.
Accessibility
Accessible seating is available upon request. Drop-off curb cutouts are available at the front entrance of the theater.
DeVos Performance Hall features a Tele-coil Hearing Loop system for the hearing impaired. The system allows hearing aids to serve as wireless loudspeakers, delivering clear, sharp, customized sound right inside the ear. An induction loop system transmits magnetic energy to telecoil-equipped hearing aids through a wire that surrounds the audience. Patrons simply flip a switch on their hearing aid and the sound is transmitted directly into their ears.
The Betty Van Andel Opera Center
1320 East Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Parking
Free parking is available across Fulton St at the Salvation Army – Fulton Heights Citadel Corps Community Center at the corner of Fulton and Fuller: 1215 Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Additional parking can be utilized on the surrounding streets.
Late Seating Policy
Opera Grand Rapids performances begin promptly at 7:30 PM for evening performances. Doors open one hour before curtain. It is suggested that you arrive a minimum of 30 minutes or more before the performance. Please leave ample time to account for parking and traffic conditions.
We want our patrons to have the most enjoyable experience at the opera. To minimize interruptions for our patrons and artists, Opera Grand Rapids follows a strict late seating policy.
Late-comers will be seated at the earliest break in the performance or at intermission. Opera Grand Rapids reserves seating at DeVos Performance Hall where late-comers can enjoy the performance until be they are able to take their assigned seats. Please note that if you leave your seat during the performance, upon your return to the hall you will be ushered to the late seating area.
General FAQs
How should I dress?
The rule of thumb: Dress for the experience you want to have! Business attire is typical, but anything is welcome from jeans to your favorite evening gown! Many of our patrons find that dressing up is part of the fun.
Are there English translations?
We offer supertitles for every foreign language opera production. Translations are projected near the stage in easy-to-read English text, clearly visible from any seat in the theater to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the story.
What time should I arrive?
Opera Grand Rapids performances begin promptly at 7:30 PM for evening performances and 2:00 PM for matinees. Doors open one hour before curtain, allowing time for patrons to enjoy a drink, mix and mingle, and to find their seats. To minimize interruptions for our patrons, Opera Grand Rapids follows a strict late seating policy. Please refer to our Late Seating Policy for more details.
What if I have to leave the auditorium during the performance?
For the sake of other patrons, please try to do so as discreetly and quietly as possible. Be advised that when returning to the auditorium, ushers will seat you at our reserved seating section designated for late arrivals until the next available break in the performance when you are able to return to your original seat. Please refer to our Late Seating Policy for more details.
What should I expect at intermission?
Most operas have an intermission to give both patrons and performers a quick rest. This is an opportunity for you to stretch your legs, grab a drink, and reflect on the opera before the next act. Intermissions with Opera Grand Rapids usually last 20 minutes.
How long will the performance last?
It varies for each opera production. For more details, review our production information pages.
Where are the best locations to park?
Parking and accommodations vary by venue. For more information and a parking map, see Parking & Accessibility.
What is your refund policy?
Casting, repertoire and event details are subject to change without notice or refunds, but are specified in good faith as accurate and updated accordingly. Refunds are not accepted.
Can I exchange my tickets?
Opera Grand Rapids offers ticket exchanges at DeVos Performance Hall as a benefit to our subscribers. Single ticket purchases can be exchanged for $5.00/ticket.
What if I lost my tickets?
No worries, we can reprint your tickets and have them available for you at Will Call. Please contact our Box Office at 616.451.2741 for misplaced tickets.
If I don’t see a production this time, can I catch the same show later on?
Opera Grand Rapids productions are unique and locally produced. Each Opera Grand Rapids production is a one-of-a-kind experience, which is what keeps our patrons coming back time and time again.
Do opera singers use amplification?
While amplification may be appropriate for some opera productions, the great majority of productions do not use the aide of microphones. Opera singers project their voice, unaided, above the sound of a full orchestra. It’s an extraordinary feat that makes live opera so special.
Do you still have a question?
Contact us! We’re happy to help.