Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra de Paris Garnier, is the most important building in Paris. It is a historic 1,979-seat opera house in Paris, France. The Opera House opened its doors to the city’s upper class in the 19th century. At the time, it was the largest opera house in the world. The Palais Garnier has been called “probably the most famous opera house in the world and a symbol of Paris, just like Notre Dame, the Louvre or the Sacré-Coeur.”
In 1862, Charles Garnier planned and built the Opéra de Paris Garnier for Napoleon III.
This wonderful building was completed in 1875. The building is decorated with different sculptures, friezes, and columns ranging from Classical to Baroque styles, which is also enhanced by two gilded statues.
Different materials were used for the exterior of the building, such as bronze, marble, and stone.
During the day, the building is open as a historical monument, while at night it hosts dazzling opera, dance, and music performances. The Opéra Garnier is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (tickets on sale until 4 pm), except for afternoon performances and special closures.
The last admission is 45 minutes before closing time (ticket holders). Please understand that security checks at the entrance may cause delays.
Main facade of Opéra Garnier in Paris
The main façade is located on the south side of the building, overlooking Opera Square and terminating the view along Opera Boulevard. Fourteen painters, mosaics, and seventy-three sculptors were involved in the creation of its decoration. Source
History of Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier opened in 1875 as part of Napoléon III’s renovations in Paris.
The plan for the Palais Garnier was to integrate it into the great reconstruction of Paris during the Second Empire, led by Emperor Napoleon III. He appointed Baron Haussmann to oversee the reconstruction.
In 1858, Napoleon III allowed Haussmann to clear 12,000 square meters of land to build a second theater for the famous Paris Opera and Ballet.
An architectural competition was held for the project in 1861, which was won by architect Charles Garnier.\
The same year, the foundation stone was laid, and construction began in 1862.
On October 29, 1873, something good happened to the Palais Garnier. The Salle Le Peletier, the former venue of the Paris Opera, was gutted in a fire that lasted 27 hours.
This has been the original site of the Opera House since 1821.
At the end of 1874, Garnier and his vast workforce completed the Palais Garnier. On January 15, 1875, the place was officially inaugurated with a wonderful evening performance.
In 1896, one person died when a counterweight of a large chandelier fell. Because of this, its underground lakes, cellars, and architecture served as the inspiration for Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera.
In 1969, new electrical facilities were installed in the theater.
In 1994, the Opera House also underwent some renovations, which included the modernization of stage machinery and electrical facilities.
At the same time, they wanted to preserve the unique decoration and strengthen the building’s foundation. Restoration work was completed in 2007.
Architecture of Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier opened in 1875. No expense has been spared with ornate furnishings, rich gilding, and exquisite frescoes on every ceiling. The centerpiece of the building is a majestic white marble double staircase and a soaring 30-meter-high dome.
The interior is composed of interweaving corridors, stairwells, alcoves, and platforms, providing space for the movement of large numbers of people and providing social spaces during intermissions. The interior is decorated with rich velvets, gold leaf, cherubs, and fairies, giving it a luxurious character of the Baroque style.
Grand Escalator (Grand Staircase)
The Grand Escalator of the Opéra Garnier consists of a double staircase leading to the foyer of the theatre. The grand escalator is made of marble of different colors and covered with a magnificent vault thirty meters high. The base of the staircase is decorated with female torches that greet the viewer.
Above the stairs, a magnificent painting by Isidore Pils depicts the triumphs of Apollo and the magic of music.
A 220-meter-long giant painting by modernist artist Marc Chagall also hangs on the ceiling of the theater, adding a striking modern touch to the theater.
The staircase is decorated with sculptures of composers, animals, and mythological figures, while a bust of architect Charles Garnier guards the entrance hall.
The Auditorium
The auditorium is the heart of the Opéra Garnier and is where performances take place. The theater is shaped like a horseshoe, so called because the seats are arranged in a way that allows the audience to see and be seen. The auditorium is decorated with marble, stucco, velvet, and gilding.
Some Fascinating Facts about Palais Garnier
Visiting the Paris Opera for a performance or a guided tour is one of the best things to do in Paris. Here are some most fascinating facts about this opera house you need to know about the Garnier Opera House, Paris.
- The Opéra Garnier was inspired by a tragic event
- There is an underground lake
- The Opéra Garnier is designed for spectators
- Conveniently surrounded by banking institutions
- The Opera House stage could accommodate the Arc de Triomphe!
- The Opera Garnier was once used as a military barracks
- The legendary chandelier falling incident happened
- Special request for the Boulevard Opera
- Box 5 was (or still is?) the Phantom’s private box
- Palais Garnier was the first building to be signed
- There are buried records
- The Palais Garnier was an expensive affair
How to Visit the Opera Garnier in Paris
If you’re visiting Paris and looking for a tour of Palais Garnier (Opera Garnier in Paris) then you should need to know these things. The Paris Opera has two locations: Opéra Garnier (Paris 9) and Opéra Bastille (Paris 10).
The Opéra Garnier mainly performs ballets, while the Opéra Bastille is the place to watch opera performances. The best way to enjoy the Opéra Garnier is to attend a show.
The Paris Opera presents classical and modern ballets. If you want to see a ballet performance at the Opéra Garnier, be sure to add something elegant to your Paris packing list!
Take a Tour of the Opera Garnier
If you don’t plan to see the opera or ballet on your trip to Paris, you can also take a self-guided tour of the Palais Garnier.
Viator proposes a fun 2-hour architectural walking tour with a guide to the Opéra Garnier and the Galeries Lafayette, two of the city’s most magnificent buildings.
If you’re fascinated by The Phantom of the Opera, book a guided tour of the Opéra Garnier Mystery. In addition to the history and facts about the Opéra Garnier, this tour of the Opéra Garnier focuses more on the story of the Phantom of the Opera and other mysteries.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to one of Paris’ most popular attractions. Check out more places to visit in Paris and start booking with OlaTaxiParis, one of the best taxi booking services in the city. If you have any ideas, please feel free to contact us.