The national opera house of Syria, on the southern side of Umayyad Square. It is a large modernist building containing a main 1,200-seat auditorium, a smaller hall, and conservatory and theatre training facilities. The Syrian National Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet are based here.
When the season is on (autumn to spring), tickets are very cheap by international standards and a worthwhile cultural experience. Programmes typically mix Arab classical music, Western opera and ballet, and Syrian folkloric performances. Performances usually start at 8pm.