The building was designed by parliamentarian Süreyya Ilmen between 1924 and 1927 as an opera house; however, no operas were ever staged here, as the incomplete building lacked a stage. Now the Kadiköy Municipality Süreyya Opera House hosts three performances a week of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet. A box office is on-site, but tickets can also be purchased at the Atatürk Cultural Center. Showtimes are generally 8pm weekdays, 4pm on Saturdays, and 11am on Sundays. Tickets cost from 10TL for the nosebleed section to 30TL for orchestra seats.