Landmark
Stopera
The combined city hall and opera house on the Amstel at Waterlooplein.
Photo: Corvayn Esdren / Google
- Area
- Nieuwmarkt
- Type
- Landmark
About the experience
Stopera is a landmark in Nieuwmarkt. The combined city hall and opera house on the Amstel at Waterlooplein.
Good to know
The Stopera’s name blends ‘stadhuis’, the Dutch word for city hall, with ‘opera’, neatly capturing its unusual double role. Its construction was controversial, with opposition tied to demolition and redevelopment in the surrounding neighbourhood. That background makes it more than an architectural landmark: it is also a reminder of debates over how Amsterdam should change. Look at the contrast between the broad modern complex and the older buildings nearby.
The theatre is home to Dutch National Opera & Ballet, so a visit can mean a full evening of performance rather than a quick sightseeing stop. If you are attending a production, leave time to take in the riverside setting before heading inside. For a wider cultural walk, combine the building with Waterlooplein’s flea market and the nearby Jewish Cultural Quarter, where museums and historic sites give deeper context to this part of Amsterdam.
Photo gallery
Photo: Péter Hucsko / Google · Photo: Antonello Balestrieri / Google · Photo: stan tonkin / Google · Photo: Victoria Guerra / Google · Photo: Skogfeen / Google
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit without attending a performance?
You can view the exterior without a performance ticket. For access to public interiors or guided tours, check the relevant city hall or Dutch National Opera & Ballet website.
Where should I check tickets and visitor information?
Check the official Dutch National Opera & Ballet website for performance tickets, prices and theatre visiting hours. For municipal visits, use the City of Amsterdam website.
How do I get there by public transport?
Waterlooplein metro station is nearby. Use a current public transport journey planner to check your route.
Is the theatre accessible for wheelchair users?
The theatre offers wheelchair spaces and accessibility facilities. Check the official accessibility information and contact the box office before booking to arrange suitable seating.
What can I combine with a visit?
Waterlooplein’s flea market, the Rembrandt House Museum and the Jewish Cultural Quarter are nearby options. A walk along the Amstel also pairs naturally with a stop at the building.
Nationale Opera & Ballet (Stopera), Amstel 3, 1011 PN Amsterdam
Nieuwe Hoogstraat 41, 1011 HD, Amsterdam