Lincoln Center’s Metropolitan Opera House Turns 60 Today

Quick Smiles:

• Sixty years ago today, the Metropolitan Opera House opened its doors at Lincoln Center
• The inaugural performance was Franco Zeffirelli’s Antony and Cleopatra
• The venue has since become one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses

Sixty years ago today, the Metropolitan Opera House opened its doors at Lincoln Center on Broadway and Lincoln Square in New York City. The magnificent new theater welcomed audiences for the very first time with Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Antony and Cleopatra.

Since that historic night, the Met has stood as a symbol of artistic excellence and community pride on the Upper West Side. Generations of opera lovers have filled its seats, and countless world-class performances have graced its stage.

“The Met is more than a building—it’s a living testament to the enduring power of music and storytelling,” said a longtime patron reflecting on the anniversary.

Today, the Metropolitan Opera continues to share its artistry with the world through live broadcasts and community programs that bring opera to new audiences. Its iconic arches and grand chandeliers still greet every visitor with the same sense of wonder that filled the hall on opening night six decades ago.

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