Opéra Garnier
Palais Garnier, the most famous opera house in the world, is a masterpiece of eclectic architecture.
Opéra Garnier
Palais Garnier, the most famous opera house in the world, is a masterpiece of eclectic architecture.
The Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra Garnier, is a Parisian opera house. The theatre, which can hold almost 2,000 spectators, was commissioned by Napoleon to host the Opéra national de Paris, the primary opera and ballet company in France.
Nowadays, the 19th-century building of the Palais Garnier still is the company’s primary theatre for ballet, while the Opéra Bastille hosts modern operas. You can get your ticket for Palais Garnier here , that way you won’t have to queue at the entrance.
Opéra Garnier is possibly the most famous opera house in the world. However, this is not just due to the extravagant lavishness of its decor and architecture, but rather due to the fact that the opera house is the one referenced in Gaston Leroux’s famous novel The Phantom of the Opera .
The name of the theatre is given by its architect, Charles Garnier, who due to circumstances beyond his control, took 15 years to finish it, from 1861 to 1875. Palais Garnier ended up being the most expensive construction of its time, with work from hundreds of craftsmen, painters, and sculptors.
The theatre is masterfully executed in its entirety in an exquisite Eclectic style. It combines and borrows from various other styles, most notably Baroque, Classical, and Renaissance architecture.
The most striking features of the Opera are the golden Grand Foyer and the white marble Grand Staircase. The Auditorium, where the shows are performed, is illuminated by a seven-ton bronze and crystal chandelier. Its ceiling was beautifully decorated by modernist artist Marc Chagall .
Location
Place de l’Opéra, 9th arrondissement
Tickets and price
| Type |
|---|
| During exhibition periods |
| Outside exhibition periods |
| Type | Adult | Under 26 | Under 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| During exhibition periods | €14.00 | €10.00 | free |
| Outside exhibition periods | €12.00 | €8.00 | free |
*Pass Navigo holders can also get a discounted rate
Instead of having to wait and queue at the ticket office, you can get your entry for Palais Garnier here .
Schedule
| Opening time |
|---|
| 10:00 am |
| Opening time | Last admission | Closing time | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 am | 4:15 pm | 5:00 pm | 1st Jan, 1st May, 25th Dec |
On days with afternoon performances, you won’t be able to visit the Opera in the afternoon.
Transport
Nearby sights
Place Vendôme 700 m (0.4 miles) south, 9-minute walk.
L’église de la Madeleine 700 m (0.4 miles) west, 9-minute walk.
Chapelle Expiatoire 700 m (0.4 miles) west, 9-minute walk.
Musée Grévin 1 km (0.6 miles) east, 13-minute walk.
Musée des Arts Décoratifs 1.2 km (a little over 0.7 miles) southwest, 15-minute walk.
Place de la Concorde 1.2 km (a little over 0.7 miles) southwest, 15-minute walk.
Jardin des Champs-Élysées 1.2 km (a little over 0.7 miles) southwest, 15-minute walk.
Louvre Museum 1.3 km (0.8 miles) southeast, 17-minute walk.
