The invention relates to a method for opening and closing a tapping opening of a metallurgical smelting vessel in particular of an electric arc furnace, in the bottom region of which a wall section having an opening is arranged, wherein a device for moving block elements in a direction (T) perpendicular to the surface normal of the wall section in the area of the opening is arranged below the opening, wherein the device holds the block elements on the wall section in such a way that the block elements lie against the wall section in a sealing manner. In order to achieve wear free and reliable opening and closing of the tapping opening it is provided that, in order to close the tapping opening, a block element free of passage openings is moved under the opening by the device and that, in order to open the tapping opening, a block element having at least one passage opening is moved under the opening by the device, such that liquid metal an drain from the smelting vessel through the passage opening in the block element. The invention further relates to a metallurgical smelting vessel.