Address, opening, capacity of Metropolitan Opera House
Basic Information about the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC
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Address: |
30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023（
Map ）
Located on 62-63 Street, between 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue
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Opened: |
1966 |
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Capacity: |
3,995 seats (including approximately 195 standing room) |
Seating Chart of Metropolitan Opera House
The Metropolitan Opera House has a seating capacity of 3,995 seats, divided into six main sections: Orchestra (1st level), Parterre (2nd level), and Grand Tier (3rd level), Dress Circle (4th level), Balcony (5th level), Family Circle (6th level).
*Click to view larger image
Directions to Metropolitan Opera House
Access to Metropolitan Opera House are most commonly by taking the New York City Subway (MTA).
The area around the theatre becomes very crowded close to showtime, so whether you are arriving by subway or taxi, please allow extra time to reach the venue.
Nearest Subway Station:
Lines,
66st – Lincoln Centerstation (About a 5-minute walk)
Map, location of Metropolitan Opera House
Here is the map of the Metropolitan Opera House.
Best hotels near the Metropolitan Opera House
Discover the best hotels near the Metropolitan Opera House. Stay within walking distance of Broadway and enjoy easy access to shows, restaurants, and attractions.
The list of recommended hotels near the theater:
History of the Metropolitan Opera House
Most famous opera houses in the United States
The Metropolitan Opera House was founded in 1883 as a theater for opera, located on Broadway between 39th and 40th Streets in the Garment District.
The building was designed by architect J. Cleaveland Cady, who also designed the American Museum of Natural History. Its yellow exterior led people to nickname it “The Yellow Brick Brewery.” Later, after relocation, it became known as “the old Met.” The original opera house had 3,849 seats and was already one of the largest opera houses in the world, attracting great attention internationally.
Photo of the old Metropolitan Opera House interior
It is said that the opening of the original Metropolitan Opera House on Broadway helped start the creation of the Broadway Theater District.
After a major fire in 1892 and later renovations, a new Metropolitan Opera House was built in 1966 at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York’s first large performing arts complex. The new opera house has a total capacity of 3,995. The old Met was not preserved as a historic building and was demolished in 1967, but the Metropolitan Opera continues its tradition at Lincoln Center today.
The new Metropolitan Opera House opened in 1966
The new opera house at Lincoln Center gave its first preview performance on April 11, 1966, with Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Fanciulla del West. It officially opened on September 16, 1966, with Samuel Barber’s opera Antony and Cleopatra.
At first, the Met experimented with operas performed in Italian, German, and English, which caused some confusion. However, as the quality of the orchestra improved, the Metropolitan Opera regained its reputation. Today, it is known worldwide as a center of the arts, bringing together top singers, conductors, composers, musicians, directors, designers, choreographers, and dancers from many countries.
The arts at the Metropolitan Opera House
Home of the Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera House is the home of
the Metropolitan Opera, the largest classical opera company in North America.
Nicknamed “the Met,” the company was founded in 1880 to take over from the Academy of Music opera house. Since the days of the old Met, it has performed here. Today, the Metropolitan Opera
presents about 30 different operas each season from late September through May.
Unlike Broadway musicals, which run the same show for long periods, the Met uses a repertory system. This means different operas are performed on different nights by its resident company. The repertoire includes a wide range of works, from the 18th century to modern pieces. Famous productions include La Bohème and La Traviata.
Home of the American Ballet Theatre
During the opera off-season, the Metropolitan Opera House hosts the spring season of the American Ballet Theatre, one of the most famous ballet companies in the world. Along with the New York City Ballet, which performs at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, it represents the best of American ballet.
The American Ballet Theatre is known for combining the beauty of classical ballet with the excitement of modern entertainment. It has been called “the most lavish ballet in the world.” Famous productions include Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty by Tchaikovsky.
Architectural design of the Metropolitan Opera House
Luxurious interior, stage design, and stage technology
Designed by architect Wallace Harrison, who also designed the United Nations Headquarters, the Metropolitan Opera House has a capacity of 3,995 (3,800 seats plus standing room for 195). The front is made of glass and the exterior is covered with white travertine marble, giving the building a blend of modern and contemporary style.
In design terms, “contemporary” means a style that fits the lifestyle and comfort of people today, while “modern” refers to something new that breaks away from older traditions.
The lobby displays two huge murals by Marc Chagall, sculptures by Aristide Maillol and Wilhelm Lehmbruck, and portraits by other famous artists.
The opera house is also famous for its advanced stage and sound systems. It has a two-level stage elevator, sliding platforms that move in all directions, an 18-meter revolving stage, and 103 motorized battens for scenery, curtains, lighting, and speakers. With the high ceilings that carry the sound of the orchestra, these features create performances that are powerful and unforgettable.
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