Starting on May 16, 2025, Glyndebourne will open an exhibition to honor the legacy of Oliver Messel.

“Oliver Messel: Designer, Maker, Influencer” will mark the 75th anniversary since Messel designed his first opera, a production of “Arabella,” for Glyndebourne. The production opened in 1950 at the Edinburgh International Festival. Between 1950-1965, he designed nine productions for the organization, including “Le Nozze di Figaro,” “Idomeneo,” and “Der Rosenkavalier.”

Audiences will see stage designs, costumes, and props that highlight Messel’s contributions to Glyndebourne. There will also be designs and costumes from contemporary set designer Gary McCann, who has been inspired by Messel’s aesthetic.

“We look forward to celebrating Oliver Messel and his astounding legacy at Glyndebourne, and bring together his remarkable stage designs, costume and props from our collection for the first time. High on artifice and craftsmanship, the exhibition captures the original, glamourous and creative world that Messel brought to the Glyndebourne stage,” said Philip Boot, Archivist at Glyndebourne.

The exhibition will run until August 24, 2025, and will be open to ticket holders and by appointment.

Read Related Stories

• Glyndebourne Unveils the Entirety of its Autumn 2025 Season

• Glyndebourne Announces 2025 Jerwood Young Artists