New York partnership offers 70,000 free Metropolitan Opera tickets
Opera for All combines free seats with community outreach to broaden access to the Met.
New York City and the Metropolitan Opera have launched a partnership to provide 70,000 free tickets during the 2026-27 season, approximately 10% of the season’s total.
Announced on 24 September, Opera for All will release 10,000 tickets a month through a lottery. Seats will be available across every section of the house, excluding standing room.
The initiative aims to attract new audiences. Eligibility extends to New Yorkers who have not purchased a Met ticket since 2019.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, ‘Art should not be reserved for those who can afford it.’
The city will promote the scheme through public schools, libraries, social services, the New York City Housing Authority, City University of New York and services for older people. The Situation Project will also support outreach, with further direct distribution routes planned.
The Met has committed to continuing the programme in future seasons. Productions this season include Macbeth, Lincoln in the Bardo and La Bohème.