The Metropolitan Opera, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is one of the most prestigious opera companies in the world. Founded in 1880, it has been a cultural cornerstone in New York City for over a century. The opera house, part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, opened in 1966 and was designed by architect Wallace K. Harrison. The building’s exterior is notable for its five grand arches and impressive travertine façade.
The interior features a stunning Marc Chagall-designed mural, “The Triumph of Music,” which graces the lobby. The auditorium seats approximately 3,800 people and is renowned for its excellent acoustics. The Metropolitan Opera House is also well-known for its opulent crystal chandeliers, which were a gift from the Austrian government.
A little-known fact is that the Met employs a full-time armorer to maintain its collection of swords, shields, and other weaponry used in productions. The company also operates one of the largest costume shops in the world, where each costume is custom-made for the singers and tailored to fit the demands of each role. The Metropolitan Opera Guild supports the opera through fundraising and educational programs, and it publishes a quarterly magazine, Opera News.
The Met has a long history of notable performances and premieres. It was the venue for the U.S. premiere of Puccini’s “La Bohème” in 1900 and Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress” in 1953. The first live radio broadcast from the Met occurred in 1931, and the company has since pioneered in using technology to reach broader audiences. In 2006, the Met introduced Live in HD, a series of live high-definition transmissions of performances to cinemas around the world.
The Met's archives contain a treasure trove of history, including original scores and recordings. The company has also been a launching pad for many legendary singers, including Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas, and Placido Domingo. An interesting trivia is that the Met has a tradition of inviting a guest conductor for its New Year’s Eve Gala, which is a major social event in New York’s cultural calendar.
The Met is not just a venue for opera; it also serves as a cultural hub for the Upper West Side, contributing to the neighborhood's vibrant arts scene. It attracts visitors and opera enthusiasts from around the globe, making it a significant contributor to Manhattan’s tourism and economy. Additionally, the Met’s opera house has been featured in several films, including “Moonstruck” and “The Age of Innocence,” further cementing its status as an iconic New York landmark.