The Metz Opera House ( French: Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole ) is the oldest opera in France and one of the oldest in Europe .
The construction of the opera house began in 1732 according to the project of Jacques Auger. The initiator was the Duke of Charles-Louis-Auguste Fouquet de Belle-Ile , the then Governor of Metz and the Three Bishoprics . The neoclassical style building was opened on February 3, 1752 . The Duke de Belle-Ile described it as " one of the most beautiful theaters in France ." Then the theater could accommodate 1382 spectators.
During the French Revolution , a guillotine was installed in front of the building. In 1858, the local sculptor Charles Peter decorated the facade with allegories of tragedy, inspiration, lyrics, comedy and music. In the 1960s, after the restoration of the interior, the number of seats in the hall decreased to 750. The last change in the opera house dates from 1981 - 1982 .
Although the opera in Metz is the oldest in the country, the theater in Nancy received the status of the Lorraine national opera.
Links
- Opéra-Théâtre - Metz Métropole - Metz Opera Website