Paris has several architecture marvels that seem to define the city and its history – the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame cathedral, Les Invalides, the Institut de France, to name just a few. Another iconic Paris image is the Opéra. More specifically known as the Palais Garnier, or the ‘Garnier Palace,’ this incredible beaux arts building is named for its architect Charles Garnier.
When wandering around in Paris, you can’t miss this stunning, gold-tipped facade located on the Right Bank at the convergence of the Avenue de l’Opéra and the Boulevard des Capucines. The Opera was initiated in 1861 by Emperor Napoleon III as part of the major reconstruction of Paris during the Second Empire. But it was city planner Baron Haussmann’s clearing of old buildings and medieval streets that provided the acreage needed for such a large edifice. The opulent theatre, the first built specifically for opera, was inaugurated 15 years later on January 5, 1875.
The Opera was home to lavish opera productions for decades. And then in 1989, the modern Opéra Bastille was completed, and it is there that most operas in Paris are performed today. The Palais Garnier opera house now showcases primarily ballet performances and classical concerts with the occasional opera thrown in. I have seen many ballets at the Palais Garnier over the years, and despite the cramped red velvet seats (people must not have been very tall when they built the Opera!), I would include a classical dance performance there on my “Top 20 Things to Do in Paris” list.
But the Opera is not all about attending musical or dance events. It’s a ‘living museum’ worth visiting in its own right. After admiring the Opera’s exterior, you can take a guided or unguided tour to discover the luxurious architecture, sculpture, chandeliers and other decorative elements of the interior building. Don’t miss the ceiling painted by Marc Chagall as well. The Opera is open every day from 10am to 5pm and until 6pm between July 16 and September 5 making it very easy to schedule a visit into your Paris agenda.
If a trip to Paris is not on your horizon at the moment, you can see the Opera via the magical 2010 documentary La Danse: Le Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris. Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman captured the Paris Opera’s ballet dancers rehearsing for seven different ballets. The footage also stars of course the Paris Opera house so you can get a virtual tour of the ballet company’s home as well.
So if you haven’t ever been to the Opera or if it’s been a while, think about including it in your next Paris vacation. Catch a ballet performance, take a tour, dine at the restaurant. It’s a destination in and of itself—and is well worth valuable Paris trip time.
