Royal Opera House – London, United Kingdom

Tradition with a new look

Some curtains are far more than just a stage prop. They form part of a theatre’s identity, have accompanied generations of artists and, night after night, provide a glimpse of extraordinary performances.

When the time came to replace the historic main curtain in 2026, the task was therefore not simply to produce a new curtain. It was about continuing a piece of theatre history. Gerriets took on this task, deliberately building on its own work from 1999. The new main curtain draws on its predecessor in key manufacturing details and carries its design legacy into the present day.

The production process combined traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art stage technology. At the heart of the project are the exquisite embroideries by the Royal School of Needlework, an institution that has stood for outstanding hand embroidery since 1872 and whose work ranges from royal ceremonies to major cultural projects. Each piece of embroidery was executed with the utmost precision and lends the curtain its unmistakable charm.

Technically, too, the curtain meets the highest standards. The two-part construction has been designed as a classic Waagner or Italian-style opening (SWAG Opening). Behind the prestigious front layer of mohair velour, further layers of MANNHEIM and SATIN CS, as well as a backing layer of SATIN CS, ensure stability, protection and an optimal stage effect. With a total width of around 20 metres plus a 20 per cent allowance for pleats, a height of approximately 14 metres and a total weight of around 750 kilograms, the curtain is a bespoke creation that is as sophisticated as it is impressive.

Installation took place in April 2026. The new main curtain made its first grand appearance at the grand opening gala on 14 May 2026. Since then, it has continued the legacy of its predecessor and, as a visible symbol of tradition, craftsmanship and technical precision, accompanies every new performance.