Nina Stemme and Stuart Skelton open the Met season in Mariusz Treliński’s new production of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, with Sir Simon Rattle on the podium.

Beginning Tuesday, October 4, certain public areas of the Metropolitan Opera House will be open to the public for the first time, free of charge, on weekday mornings from 10am to 2pm. Visitors can walk up the famous staircase, admire the iconic chandeliers, or visit our special 50th anniversary exhibitions downstairs.

Whether at the opera house, in Times Square, or on the air, there are many ways to be part of the opening of the Met season.

When the Met opened its doors at Lincoln Center on September 16, 1966, the New York Times declared the event a “crescendo of splendor.” Read the original Times article and explore our special anniversary section celebrating five decades of Met history.

Simon Keenlyside in the title role leads the cast of Mozart’s masterpiece, in Michael Grandage’s elegant production. Fabio Luisi conducts.

Franco Zeffirelli’s classic production returns with a cast of young Met stars, including Ailyn Pérez and Susanna Phillips. Carlo Rizzi is on the podium.