History

The Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia, PA, boasts a rich history that spans over a century.

Early Years and Construction (1908-1910)

• Concept and Construction: The Metropolitan Opera House, commonly known as "The Met," was built by Oscar Hammerstein I. It was originally constructed as the Philadelphia Opera House to serve as the home for Hammerstein's opera company, competing with the New York Metropolitan Opera. The building was completed in 1908, with the design reflecting a Beaux-Arts architectural style.
• Inaugural Performance: The Met officially opened its doors on November 17, 1908, with a performance of "Carmen" by Georges Bizet.

 

The Decline and Rebirth (1910-1954)

• Sale to the Metropolitan Opera: Facing financial difficulties, Hammerstein sold the opera house to the Metropolitan Opera of New York in 1910, which continued to use it as a venue for their Philadelphia performances until 1920.
• Subsequent Uses: After the Metropolitan Opera ceased its Philadelphia performances, the building was used for various purposes, including as a cinema, ballroom, and sports venue. The venue also hosted vaudeville shows, lectures, and even religious services.

 

The Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Era (1954-1995)

• Religious Use: In 1954, the building was purchased by the Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, a prominent civil rights leader and Baptist minister. Sullivan renamed it the Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House and converted it into a church and community center. Under Sullivan's stewardship, the building served the African American community and hosted numerous religious and cultural events.
• Structural Deterioration: Despite its continued use, the building's structure began to deteriorate, and it faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and the need for significant repairs.

 

Preservation and Renovation Efforts (1995-2018)

• Preservation Efforts: The Met was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, highlighting its architectural and historical significance. However, by the 1990s, the building was in dire need of restoration.
• Revival Efforts: Several attempts were made to restore and repurpose the building throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. These efforts culminated in a major renovation project initiated by developer Eric Blumenfeld and Live Nation in the mid-2010s.

 

Modern Era and Current Use (2018-Present)

• Grand Reopening: After a comprehensive $56 million renovation, The Met Philadelphia reopened on December 3, 2018, with a performance by Bob Dylan. The renovation restored the building's historic features while updating it with modern amenities.
• Current Role: Today, The Met operates as a premier concert venue, hosting a wide range of performances from classical music and opera to rock concerts and comedy shows. The venue's revival has been celebrated as a significant achievement in historic preservation and adaptive reuse.

The Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia stands today as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing commitment to preserving historic landmarks for future generations.