Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole
| Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole | |
|---|---|
| Alternative names | Opéra-Théâtre de Metz, Metz Opéra |
| General information | |
| Type | Opera house |
| Architectural style | neo-Classical |
| Location | Place de la Comédie, Metz, France, Europe |
| Coordinates | Coordinates: 49°7′18″N 6°10′22″E / 49.12167°N 6.17278°E |
| Construction started | 1732 |
| Inaugurated | 1752 |
| Owner | Communauté d’Agglomération de Metz Métropole |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Jacques Oger |
| References | |
| Official website of the Opéra-Théatre de Metz Métropole | |
The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole is an 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 costume ateliers in France.
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 firewoods, 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. Adjacent to the opera house, the urban planning included also the construction of the Royal Intendant palace by architect Barthélemy Bourdet.
The construction of the opera house extended from 1732 to 1752, the War of the Austrian Succession interrupting the works during 8 years. The Tuscany-influenced neo-Classical building is finally inaugurated with a public ball on February 3, 1752. The duke of Belle-Isle described it as "one of the most beautiful France's opera-theater" at his time, seating 1,382.
During the French Revolution, the guillotine for the 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 the Tragedy, the Inspiration, the Lyric Poetry, the Comedy, and the Music. The most recent restoration took place between 1981 and 1982 remodeling the interior of the opera house to improve comfort and sightlines. The performance hall had been reduced to 750 seats in 1963.
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