The Netherlands Opera was established after the end of World War II as an opera company, yet it didn't have its own permanent building. Thus, in its early stages, performances were often held across the country, making frequent appearances in Rotterdam and Utrecht. In 1964, the opera experienced its first substantial upgrade and acquired the name De Nederlandse Operastichting. However, it was not until 1986 that the opera moved to its new place of residence - Het Muziektheater, a new theatre set on the Amstel River. It was in 1986 that the opera eventually received its present-day name: De Nederlandse Opera (DNO). Currently, it is among the three companies who perform permanently in Het Muziektheater, the other two being the Het Nationale Ballet and the Gastprogrammering Het Muziektheater.

The contemporary image of the Netherlands Opera is the work of Pierre Audi, the company’s artistic director since 1988, and Truze Lodder, the administrative director since 1987. Nearly one hundred artists, a permanent conductor and a choir of sixty singers constitute the ensemble. The opera staff are engaged in dramaturgy, stage setting, design, costumes and various props, which are primarily being carried out at the workshops of Het Muziektheater. During the performances, Dutch subtitles are displayed; however, English or German subtitles are also be available for particular productions.

The Netherlands Opera stages approximately eleven performances per year, all of which enjoy great popularity. The opera’s collaborators include the Culture Park Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam, as well as the organisers of the Holland Festival, with whom the opera cooperates when preparing various events at the Oosterpark in Amsterdam, such as the impressive multi-media live screenings in the park area which attract audiences of several thousands. The opera’s other collaborator, the Holland Symfonia, is an entity that supports the opera’s free weekly performances, featuring chamber music and small-scale vocal performances. The opera also introduced various educational programmes directed at children and the development of their musical awareness.

The Netherlands Opera is often invited abroad with its spectacles; the company performed at the New York Metropolitan Opera House, as well as at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Lincoln Center Festival. Also, Australia has hosted their performances as part of the famous Adelaide Festival.