The Metropolitan Opera Company, a cornerstone of American performing arts, has called two iconic New York City locations home since its founding in 1883. Its journey began at the Metropolitan Opera House on 39th Street, a building that, despite its initial architectural criticisms, served as the company's primary venue for over eight decades. This narrative traces the evolution of the Met's physical home, from its early days and challenges to its eventual
relocation to the modern facilities at Lincoln Center.
The Inaugural Home: 39th Street
The first Metropolitan Opera House opened its doors on October 22, 1883, with a performance of Faust. Located at 1411 Broadway, it occupied an entire block in the Garment District of Midtown Manhattan. Designed by J. Cleaveland Cady, the building was known for its industrial-looking exterior, which earned it the nickname "The Yellow Brick Brewery." Critical reception of its design was largely negative, with one source calling it "Disappointing... flat, forceless and ineffective."
Despite these architectural critiques, the 39th Street house quickly became an important cultural center. However, its existence was not without peril. In August 1892, a fire severely damaged the theater, leading to the cancellation of the 1892–1893 season. The opera house was subsequently rebuilt along its original lines, demonstrating the company's commitment to its established home.
Growing Pains and the Need for Change
As the 20th century progressed, the Metropolitan Opera Company's ambitions and the complexity of its productions grew. By the mid-1920s, the backstage facilities of the 39th Street house were becoming vastly inadequate. The expanding repertory and advancements in stagecraft demanded a more modern and spacious venue. This realization sparked early discussions and planning for a new home.
Initial plans for a new 4,000-seat opera house were considered as part of the development of what is now Rockefeller Center. However, financial problems and the stock market crash of 1929 significantly postponed these relocation efforts, leading the proposed complex to become more commercially focused. The Met continued to operate from its aging 39th Street location, making do with facilities that were increasingly outdated for a world-class opera company.
A New Era at Lincoln Center
The vision for a new, state-of-the-art home for the Metropolitan Opera finally materialized with the development of Lincoln Center. The current Metropolitan Opera House, designed by Wallace K. Harrison, opened in 1966, replacing the original 1883 structure. This new facility, located on Broadway at Lincoln Square on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, offered significantly improved capabilities and a grander scale.
The move to Lincoln Center marked a pivotal moment for the Metropolitan Opera, providing it with a modern venue capable of supporting its artistic endeavors. The original Metropolitan Opera House on 39th Street was demolished in 1967, just a year after its successor opened. This transition symbolized the company's commitment to innovation and its enduring legacy in the world of opera, ensuring its continued prominence in New York City's cultural landscape.
