Royal Opera House - London, United Kingdom

Tradition, with a new look

Some curtains are much more than just a stage prop. They are part of a theater’s identity, have accompanied artists for generations, and serve as a window opening onto extraordinary performances every evening.

Therefore, when the historic main curtain needed to be replaced in 2026, the task was not merely to produce a new curtain. It was about writing another chapter in the theater’s history. Gerriets took on this task and consciously tied it to its own work from 1999. The new main curtain was designed to remain faithful to its predecessor in its fundamental production details, carrying its design legacy into the present.

The production process combined traditional handcraftsmanship with the most modern stage technology. At the heart of the project are the artistic embroideries of the Royal School of Needlework—an institution that has been a symbol of exceptional hand-embroidery art since 1872, with a body of work ranging from royal ceremonies to major cultural projects. Each piece of embroidery is crafted with the utmost precision, lending the curtain a unique character.

The curtain also meets the highest technical standards. The two-part structure is designed as a classic Waagner or Italian swag (SWAG Opening). Behind the opulent front layer made of mohair velour, additional layers consisting of MANNHEIM and SATIN CS, along with a back layer made of SATIN CS, ensure durability, protection, and optimal stage impact. With a total width of approximately 20 meters (plus a 20% pleat allowance), a height of approximately 14 meters, and a total weight of approximately 750 kilograms, this curtain is a challenging yet impressive example of custom manufacturing.

Installation was completed in April 2026. The new main curtain made its grand stage debut at the spectacular opening gala on May 14, 2026. Since then, it has carried on the legacy of its predecessor and continues to grace the stage at every new performance as a visible symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and technical precision.