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The Palais Garnier is the thirteenth theatre to house the Paris Opera since it was founded by Louis XIV in 1669. A supremely beautiful building, the Paris Opera House was designed by the architect Charles Garnier and built between 1860 and 1875.

Despite numerous problems, such as the outbreak of war and the fall of the empire, the building was inaugurated on 15th January 1875.

The most famous and impressive feature of the Opera House is the grand staircase, which must be one of the most opulent staircases in existence. Built from different coloured marble the double staircase leads from the foyer to the auditorium. It adds to the romance and glamour of them to think that this was once the ultimate place for socialites to be seen in all their fashionable glory.

The overall effect of the building is one of stunning extravagance and 18th century decadence. The foyers were designed not simply as foyers but to give the audience somewhere to people-watch and stroll during the interval, they are magnificently decorated with mosaics, mirrors and sculpture.

The Paris Opera House is also home to a small gallery which hosts exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition of the sets of operas from its history.

The auditorium itself is a magnificent spectacle, the ceiling, painted by Chagall and lit by a spectacular crystal chandelier, is a magically evocative and apt work by which Ernest Hemmingway was fascinated.

Experience the grandeur of this impressive building and take a tour for free with the Paris Pass - saving €10.

Please note that the Opera House will be exceptionally closed on the following days:

March
Monday 8 March till 13:00h
Sunday 14 March all day

April
Friday 9 April 2010 all day
Wednesday 14 April all day

May
Saturday 1 May 2010 all day
Sunday 2 May 2010 from 13h
Saturday 29 May 2010 from 13h

June
Thursday 24 June 2010 all day
Sunday 27 June 2010 from 13h

July
Sunday 4 July 2010 from 13h
Sunday 11 July 2010 from 13h
Wednesday 14 July 2010 all day

Hence there will be no guided tours undertaken on the above-mentioned dates/timings. We apologise for the inconvenience caused, but as the Opera de Paris is an active show-site, such exceptional closures to the public can arrive.

View the full list of Attractions in Paris you can visit for free with a Paris Pass.