The world’s great operatic stages
The alliance between Rolex and the arts is now an essential feature of the global cultural landscape. The brand partners prestigious institutions, including leading opera houses such as Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, the Royal Ballet and Opera in London, New York’s Metropolitan Opera and the Opéra national de Paris in the French capital.
Built in the late 18th century, during the golden age of opera, Teatro alla Scala is the epicentre of the operatic world. Performances here continue to transcend history and time. Sitting far above in the “loggione”, today’s audience remains high in passion and opinion. Rolex has been Exclusive Timepiece of La Scala since 2006. The brand has also been a supporter of the Museo Teatrale alla Scala, the La Scala Museum, since 2020.
Majestic. Inspiring. Undeniable in sight and sound, the Royal Ballet and Opera in London is where the world’s greatest ballet, opera and orchestral performers bare their souls. Among them is soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who in 1976 became Rolex’s first arts Testimonee. Every masterpiece performed in this iconic institution is testament to the transmission of artistic heritage. After more than 300 years, the opera house, also known as Covent Garden, serves as the hallowed ground of culture. The brand first formed a partnership with this great British institution in 2008. In 2024, this relationship evolved with Rolex becoming Principal Partner of the Royal Opera and Exclusive Timepiece of the Royal Ballet and Opera.
The Metropolitan Opera, known as the ‘Met’, is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. Located in the heart of New York City, it is a vibrant home for internationally renowned singers, conductors, composers, orchestra musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers and dancers. A performance at the Met – as mythical as it is historic – is a true emblem of professional success, excellence and acclaim. Rolex has been Official Timepiece of the Metropolitan Opera since 2011.
The Opéra national de Paris is one of the oldest opera houses in the world. Founded in 1669 by King Louis XIV with the aim of giving opera academies or music performances in the French language the same standing as those of Italy, it has since remained a vital musical institution. In 1989, the newly built Opéra Bastille joined the historic Palais Garnier as part of the Opéra de Paris which became the Opéra national de Paris in 1994. The two venues exemplify elegance and style by combining Parisian tradition and modernity in one institution. Rolex has been Exclusive Timepiece of the Opéra national de Paris since 2014.
Four of the world’s most renowned opera houses are linked by their partnership with Rolex.