The Metropolitan Opera, founded in 1883 in New York as an alternative to the socially exclusive Academy of Music, grew into North America’s largest classical music organization and one of the central institutions of U.S. operatic life. After opening its original house on 39th Street and Broadway, it quickly built a broad repertory, gained renown for Wagner under Leopold Damrosch, and expanded its audience through national touring. Since moving to Lincoln Center in 1966, it has maintained a large rotating repertory spanning Baroque to contemporary works, supported by major performing forces. Its long history, including the rare Mapleson Cylinders, reflects both Gilded Age society and an enduring international grand-opera ambition.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

New York, New York · USA