Metropolitan Opera Guild

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The Metropolitan Opera Guild was established in 1935 to broaden the base of support for the Metropolitan Opera, promote greater interest in opera, and develop future audiences by reaching out to a wide public and serving as an educational resource that provides programs, publications, materials and services to schools, families, individuals, and community groups nationwide.^[1]

The Guild was the brainchild of Eleanor Robson Belmont, a retired actress and the first female member of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Opera. She believed opera truly belongs to the people, and wished to provide them with more ways to connect to and enjoy the art form. In its first 75 years, the Guild contributed more than $245 million to the Met (figure adjusted for inflation). The Guild provides programs and services in many areas designed to further these goals.

In August 2023, it was announced that due to financial struggles, the guild would be winding down its operations, and stop publishing Opera News as a stand-alone monthly magazine.^[2] The Met has stated that they intend to take over some of the guilds responsibilities and promise to transfer or provide severance to the effected employees.