Opera and Ballet at the AKM in Istanbul: Winter 2026–27

From November 2026 to mid-January 2027, the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet fills the opera hall of the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) on Taksim Square. The winter program brings two ballets, two great operas, a Puccini gala and a New Year’s Concert. This page lists the dates, explains the hall and the square around it, and we arrange your tickets.

Opera and Ballet at the AKM: Winter 2026–27 Dates

All performances take place in the Türk Telekom Opera Hall. Evening shows start at 8:00 pm, and the matinees at 3:00 pm.

• Romeo and Juliet (ballet): November 11, 12 and 14 (matinee), and December 5 (matinee)
• Lucia di Lammermoor (opera by Donizetti): November 19 and 21, January 6, and January 9 (matinee)
• Siemens Opera Competition, final concert: December 3
• Puccini Gala Concert: December 9
• Faust (opera by Gounod): December 17, 23 and 24, and December 26 (matinee)
• New Year’s Concert: December 30 and January 2
• Afife (ballet): January 7, 13, 14 and 16, 2027

Which Night to Choose

For a first night at the opera in Istanbul, Faust in the week before Christmas has the festive timing. Lucia di Lammermoor, on the other hand, suits a January trip. Also, the ballets need no language at all. Afife tells the life of Afife Jale, a pioneering actress of the Turkish stage, so it shows a piece of Turkish history through dance. Then, for the turn of the year, the New Year’s Concert and the Puccini gala are evenings of famous arias.

Meanwhile, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake run in the same weeks at other halls in the city, and our page on The Nutcracker and Swan Lake in Istanbul lists their dates. For both opera houses of the city, read our guide to opera and ballet in Istanbul.

The AKM and Taksim Square

The new AKM opened on October 29, 2021, on the site of the cultural center that first opened in 1969. Today, its opera hall is the giant sphere on the front of the building, and it seats 2,040 people. The building faces Taksim Square, where İstiklal Avenue begins. So you can walk down İstiklal for dinner before the show, or for a late meal after it.

Tickets for the AKM

Tickets for AKM performances go on sale about two months ahead, so later dates may not be on sale yet. Therefore, we follow the program and book your seats as soon as they open. Tell us your dates and how many seats you need.

Your Night at the Opera in Istanbul With Us

We arrange your tickets for the AKM, alone or as a full evening with dinner and a driver, as on our Istanbul concert night. By day, a licensed guide in your language shows you the city. Which night at the AKM would you like?