The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole (French pronunciation:[opeʁateɑtʁdəmɛsmetʁɔpɔl]), also known as the Metz Opera, is a 750-seat opera house and theatre located on the Petit-Saulcy island in Metz, capital of the Lorraine region, France. It is the oldest opera house working in France and one of the oldest in Europe. It is also one of the last possessing its own costumeatelier in France.
Construction and architecture
In 1732, Duke de Belle-Isle, governor of the Three Bishoprics and benefactor of Metz, decided the urban planning of the Petit-Saulcy island (then used to stock firewood, and occasionally for horse-fairs), in order built in Metz a modern square in a context of the Enlightenment. The island was drained and the embankments and four bridges were built, connecting the medieval town to the island. The edification of the opera house was conducted by Messin architect Jacques Oger.[1] Adjacent to the opera house, the urban planning included also the construction of the Royal Intendant palace by architect Barthélemy Bourdet.[citation needed]
The construction of the opera house extended from 1732 to 1752, the War of the Austrian Succession interrupting the works for eight years.[citation needed] The Tuscany-influenced neo-Classical building is finally inaugurated with a public ball on February 3, 1752.[1] The duke of Belle-Isle described it as "one of the most beautiful of France's opera-theatres" at his time, seating 1,382.[citation needed]
During the French Revolution, a guillotine for executions was erected on the parvise of the opera house, the Comedy Square. In 1858, local sculptor Charles Pêtre, then member of the School of Metz artistic movement, adorned its facade with allegories of Tragedy, Inspiration, Lyric Poetry, Comedy, and Music. The most recent restoration took place between 1981 and 1982 remodelling the interior of the opera house to improve comfort and sightlines.[citation needed] The performance hall had been reduced to 750 seats in 1963.[1]
The Metz Opera-Theatre is fused in a unique Lorraine artistic pole with the National Opera of Lorraine. Today, the Opera-Theatre features annually around sixty performances, including plays, choreographies, and lyric poetry.[citation needed]
Opera-Theatrecon of Metz Metropole on the Comedy Square
