The Opéra national de Lorraine occupies one of the pavilions on Place Stanislas, making it one of the most beautifully situated opera houses in France. The building dates from the 18th century and has hosted opera, ballet, and orchestral performances for over two hundred years. The program today leans toward the mainstream — Verdi, Mozart, Puccini — but visiting a performance here, in a gilded 18th-century hall looking out over the illuminated square, is an experience worth arranging your trip around.
Even without a ticket, you can admire the facade as part of the Place Stanislas ensemble. The interior can sometimes be visited on open days or guided tours of the city. Check the season program in advance — the company has a serious reputation and often hosts visiting companies from Paris and elsewhere.