Amsterdam City Council began discussing the idea of a new theatre building in 1915. The plans were plagued with problems, and The Muziektheater was not actually constructed until 1981. There were many who objected to the new building, and the early construction work was disturbed by riots. The Muziektheater has a large auditorium that can seat 1,600 patrons, and serves as the home base for the Netherlands Opera and the National Ballet. There are free lunch time performances every Tuesday during the October to June Concert season.
