Opéra Garnier: Self-Guided Tour Ticket
The inspiration for Phantom of the Opera
- Palais Garnier: Entry Ticket
- Access to the temporary exhibitions
Opéra Garnier Tickets and Information
- Opéra Garnier Address: Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009, Paris.
- Opening Hours: Thursday & Friday ONLY: 10:00 - 17:00
Is Opéra Garnier worth visiting
- As one of the most important Opera Houses in the world, we definitely think Opéra Garnier is worth visiting, yes!
What you see when visiting Opéra Garnier
- Incredible architecture
- One of the most important Opera Houses in the world
- The Grand Staircase
- The Auditorium
About Opéra Garnier
People generally know the Opéra Garnier (or Palais Garnier as it’s also known) for one of a few reasons:
- It’s the setting of the famous book/play “The Phantom of the Opera”
- The building was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, the first president of France (and family member to Napoleon Bonaparte)
- Or simply because it’s one of the most famous opera houses in the world and possibly the most beautiful.
Whatever the reason you may know of it, the building is incredible. Located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France, it’s an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Parisian cultural heritage.
Opéra Garnier History
Emperor Napoleon III commissioned it as part of his plans to renovate Paris. The project was headed by architect Charles Garnier and construction began in 1861 and was completed in 1875 and opened to the public the same year.
The building is a stunning example of Second Empire architecture and features a lavish Beaux-Arts style with intricate façades, ornate decorations, and a grand staircase. The exterior is adorned with sculptures and columns, while the interior boasts a magnificent auditorium with a capacity of around 2,200 seats.
The architect’s vision was to create a space that would showcase the grandeur and opulence of the era. The interior is adorned with marble, gold leaf, and elaborate chandeliers, creating a sense of luxury and grandeur.
The Grand Staircase
One of the most iconic features of Opéra Garnier is its grand staircase, which leads to the auditorium. The staircase is made of marble and features a double helix design, allowing separate paths for ascending and descending guests. It is adorned with elaborate decorations and sculptures, making it a popular spot for visitors to take photographs.
The Auditorium
At the heart of Opéra Garnier is its equally famous auditorium. Designed in a horseshoe shape, typical of traditional opera houses, it features plush velvet seating and a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The stage is equipped with advanced technical capabilities to accommodate a wide range of performances, from opera and ballet to concerts and theatrical productions.
Opéra Garnier has played a significant role in Parisian cultural life since its opening. It has hosted countless world-renowned performers and premieres of famous works. The opera house continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its architecture and attend performances. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris with people visiting just to admire the building itself.
The Phantom of the Opera
Opéra Garnier gained further fame through Gaston Leroux's novel "The Phantom of the Opera," which was published in 1910. The story, which has been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and musicals, is set in the opera house and has contributed to its mystique and allure.
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Opéra Garnier FAQ’s
- Was Opéra Garnier designed by Napoleon Bonaparte?
- No, it was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, who was the first president of France and is from the same family as Napoleon Bonaparte.
- When was the Opéra Garnier built?
- The construction began in 1861 and was completed in 1875, taking a total of 14 years.
- Who designed the Opéra Garnier?
- The opera house was designed by Charles Garnier, a French architect, after winning a competition to design the building under Emperor Napoleon III.
- How much does it cost to visit the Opéra Garnier?
- Tickets start from €15. Click HERE to see ticket options.
- Is the Opéra Garnier the setting for The Phantom of the Opera?
- Yes, the Opéra Garnier is the setting for Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera. The building’s real-life underground lake and grand, mysterious architecture provided inspiration for the story.
- Can you visit the underground lake beneath the Opéra Garnier?
- No, the underground lake is not accessible to the public. It is part of the opera house’s water drainage system and is occasionally used for firefighting drills.
Opéra Garnier Interesting Facts
- Architecture: The Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, was designed by architect Charles Garnier and is considered one of the most famous examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the world. It was built as part of the grand reconstruction of Paris during the Second Empire under Napoleon III.
- Phantom of the Opera: The Opéra Garnier is the setting for Gaston Leroux's famous novel The Phantom of the Opera, which has inspired numerous adaptations, including the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.
- Enormous Chandelier: The theatre’s central chandelier weighs about 7 tons. It once famously fell in 1896, tragically killing a member of the audience, which also became part of the inspiration for The Phantom of the Opera.
- Chagall’s Ceiling: The ceiling of the main auditorium was painted by the Russian-French artist Marc Chagall in 1964, featuring vibrant depictions of Parisian landmarks and famous composers, such as Mozart and Beethoven.
- Expensive Construction: Construction of the opera house began in 1861 and took 14 years to complete. The total cost ended up being over 36 million francs, a massive sum at the time, partly due to complications like the discovery of an underground swamp.
- Hidden Lake: Beneath the opera house lies a vast cistern, often referred to as a “lake.” It was created when workers had to deal with groundwater issues. Today, it's used for firefighting training and is a key element in the building’s drainage system.
Useful Information About Opéra Garnier
Tips for visiting Opéra Garnier:
- Book Tickets in Advance: Book your tickets in advance to avoid the long queues that form at the ticket office.
- Explore the Public Areas: Make sure to spend time exploring the public areas of the opera house, such as the Grand Staircase, the Grand Foyer, and the Rotunda of the Subscribers. These areas are beautifully decorated and offer plenty of photo opportunities.
How to get there
- Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris. 8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
