Seats for sale, takeout only: Berlin’s Staatsoper sells off its seating ahead of renovation

Berlin’s Staatsoper sells off seating

BERLIN — Berlin’s Staatsoper is offering opera-lovers a souvenir with a difference as it embarks on a three-year renovation: well-worn seats from its auditorium, price €50 ($62) each.

The opera house said Friday groups of between two and 18 seats can be ordered. Buyers who take more than four will get one seat free.

The Staatsoper building opened in 1844 but the seating mostly dates back to 1955. The opera house is getting rid of it in an overhaul that also will see antiquated technical equipment replaced.

The opera is moving to another theater while its home on the Unter den Linden boulevard is renovated.

The Staatsoper is posting an order form on its website. It says that, if there are more orders than seats, buyers will be determined by drawing lots.

Online:

www.staatsoper-berlin.de