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Opera De Paris - Palais Garnier

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.

Closed:
4th, 11th, 18th March - All day
16th, 21st, 31st March - Afternoon only 
25th March - Morning only
11th, 15th April - All day 
1st, 12th, 13th, 25th May - All day 
19th, 20th May - Afternoon only
17th June - Afternoon only
20th June - All day
15th July - Afternoon only