On October 22, 1883, New York City witnessed the grand opening of the Metropolitan Opera House. This magnificent venue would go on to host some of the most celebrated operatic performances in the world. Built by wealthy industrialists as a rival to the established Academy of Music, the “Met” quickly became a symbol of prestige and cultural sophistication.

Fun Facts:

• The Metropolitan Opera House, commonly referred to as “The Met,” was built by a group of wealthy New Yorkers who were frustrated with their lack of access to opera performances at the exclusive Academy of Music. This group included prominent families like the Vanderbilts and Astors.
• Located on Broadway between 39th and 40th Streets, the original Met building was designed in a Renaissance Revival style. Its seating capacity of around 3,700 made it one of the largest opera houses in the world at the time.
• The opening night performance was Charles Gounod’s opera Faust, a grand event that attracted a sold-out crowd of New York’s elite, cementing the venue’s place as a cultural cornerstone of the city.
• Although the original building was damaged by fire in 1892, it was rebuilt and continued to serve as a hub for world-class opera. In 1966, the Met moved to the new Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, a move that symbolized its continued growth and influence in the world of opera.
• The Metropolitan Opera Company quickly rose to prominence, featuring internationally renowned singers and conductors, and played a pivotal role in establishing New York City as a global center for opera and performing arts, a legacy we can all be proud of.
• The Met became known not just for its performances but also for its technical innovations, including elaborate stage designs that set new standards for opera productions worldwide, inspiring awe and admiration in opera lovers.
• Today, the Met remains one of the most prestigious opera houses globally. It hosts a wide variety of performances, from classic operas like La Traviata to modern works like Philip Glass’s Akhnaten, that attract audiences from all over the world.