Slide 1 of 9,

The Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center, designed by Wallace K. Harrison, opened in September 1966 with the world premiere of Samuel Barber’s “Antony and Cleopatra.” Twelve now-iconic starburst chandeliers (which turn 50 this year, and are pictured here during that first season) graced the main auditorium, and 11 more hung in the lobby. The history behind their design is a snapshot of that era, marrying postwar optimism, whimsical Modernist principles and the modish fascination with cosmology. — ALEXANDRIA SYMONDS

Correction: An earlier version of this picture caption misstated the number of chandeliers ​hanging ​in the lobby. There are 11​, not 12.