MEET THE MET

Known for its grand architectural design and Art Deco style, the Manila Metropoitan Theater or “The Met” is the first national theater in the Philippines. The building was designed by Filipino Architect Juan M. Arellano, who flew to the United States to study theater construction with one of the most respected theater architects in the US, Thomas W. Lamb. Arellano stated that he drew the plans for the building with the phrase “On Wings of Song.” True enough, the facade exhibits the statement through its segmental arch defined by tapering pinnacles that resemble oriental stupas, two identical wings, and a frieze with stylized shell patterns and tile mosaic in Javanese patterns that frame the facade.

The first grand opening of the Met was held in October 1931 in which it housed different performances from zarzuelas, dramas to translation of foreign classics. Moreover, it has a capacity of 1670 (846 orchestra, 116 in loge and 708 in balcony). .

During the Battle of Manila in 1945, the theater was significantly damaged, including several parts of the roof and walls. However, the Americans reconstructed the theater but, unfortunately, the theater was neglected afterwards. In 1978, the building . was restored again but it was then again abandoned. . Fortunately, the National Commission for Culture and Arts and the . Manila City Administration planned on reviving the theater in 2010. .