The world’s most eye-catching theatres

While there’s plenty to be appreciated from the inside of these theatres, the stunning architecture of their exteriors is also second to none. As the only British open-air theatre on the list, it’s apt that Cornwall’s Minack Theatre takes the top spot for exteriors. In fact, participants of our study were drawn to look at the Minack Theatre longer than any other British theatre on our list, be it outside or in. 

The Grand Opera House in Northern Ireland takes second place, followed by Shakespeare's Globe in third, the Royal Albert Hall in fourth, and the Royal Exchange Theatre in fifth.

Whether you’re planning a visit abroad during the Christmas break or next summer, there are some stunning theatres awaiting you around the globe. From unique, gravity-defying architecture to interiors with years of history, these incredible attractions have plenty to offer. Here’s what we discovered about the world’s most beautiful theatres – some of the results may surprise you!

On a winning streak, the Minack Theatre in Cornwall outperformed all others globally and was crowned the most beautiful theatre in the world according to our study, followed by the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The Disney theatre is best known for its unique curved architecture inside and out, which occupies an entire city block. If the sheer size was not eye-catching enough, the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s exterior is made of metal-clad panels that cover the entire curved façade of the building, which clearly drew the eyes of our participants.

Interestingly, the Sydney Opera House failed to catch the eyes of many, not even making it to the top 20 most beautiful theatres in the world. Meanwhile, the Dubai Opera came in third, the Guangzhou Opera House in China was the seventh most beautiful theatre in the world and Belfast’s Grand Opera House closely followed, ranking in eighth place.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus takes its place in the rankings as the ninth most beautiful theatre in the world. Locally known simply as Herodeon, the stone-made Roman theatre held the gaze of study participants for 4.04 seconds on average, and, unsurprisingly, is considered Athens’ most majestic stage. It stands today as a semi-circle orchestra of black and white marble overlooking the city.

The top ten ranking is closed by the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

Nothing beats the magic of walking down a beautiful theatre hall before the show begins, and visitors of the Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto Canada know this feeling all too well. The theatre won the hearts of our participants and took the number one spot for the most beautiful theatre interior in the world.

Losing out on the top spot by just one millisecond is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry, the inside of the theatre is marked by curved walls and ceilings, along with abundant cedar, oak and Douglas-fir. If that wasn’t enough, a unique 6,134-pipe organ is the centrepiece of the auditorium, nicknamed ‘French fries’. 

British staples like Shakespeare’s Globe and London Coliseum take spot three and four in the leader board of the world’s most beautiful theatre interiors, while number five is claimed by the Fox Theatre in Detroit. In 1987 the Fox Theatre went through an 18-month, $12-million restoration to restore it to its original glory, and less than two years later the Fox Theatre was designated a National Historic Landmark - its beauty and splendour remain to this day.

When it comes to the world’s most beautiful theatres as seen from the outside, The Dubai Opera House outperformed all other theatres in our list, with its unique leaning architecture and large floor-to-ceiling windows offering a glimpse of the wonders held inside.

Number two in the rankings is the Grand Opera House. With brick laden exteriors and impressive cast stone along with a gold leafed statue of Mercury, the Northern Irish theatre is the delight of onlookers. Finishing the world’s top three most beautiful theatre exteriors is the Minack Theatre, holding the gaze of participants for 5.69 seconds on average. The seaside theatre is followed by the Semperoper Dresden in Germany, a city icon in the historic Old Town.  

Last to finish the top five is the Vienna Operahouse. Home to one of the best opera houses in the world, tourists who find themselves in Vienna will enjoy a stroll around the building that is as striking by day as it is by night.

Looking for more ways to soak up the local culture during your Christmas break? You can check out our Christmas Markets guide to find the best festive market near you, or head to Winter Wonderland for that extra special Christmassy feeling.