$45M restoration of Metropolitan Opera House to begin in June

Expect to see some signs of life over at the Metropolitan Opera House come June, when renovations and restorations are expected to begin “in earnest.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Live Nation has officially confirmed that it has signed on as the main tenant for the 110,000-square-foot historic theater on North Broad. Curbed Philly first learned about Live Nation’s role in the theater’s $45 million redevelopment in late March, when developer Eric Blumenfeld announced the news at a Philadelphia Historical Commission meeting.

Live Nation told the Inquirer that people should expect one to two shows per week, bringing in acts like Mary J. Blige and comedian Louis C.K.

The historic theater, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1908 and was run by Oscar Hammerstein I, the grandfather of Oscar Hammerstein II. Over the years it’s served as a movie theater, circus venue, and home to a church congregation.

Major construction is expected to begin in June. If all goes to plan, Live Nation should open its doors in late 2018.

• North Broad's majestic Met to open as a Live Nation music venue in 2018 [Inquirer]