Opéra Palais Garnier
Place de l’Opéra 75009 Paris
Capacity 1900 seats
Palais Garnier Guided Tour
Location
Duration
1 h 20 min
Details
Theatre tour
Recommended for all ages
Groups of 10+
In French or English
Highlights: Palais Garnier Guided Tour
Available Guided Tours at Palais Garnier
Practical Information
Book a visit to the Printemps Haussmann too!
Reviews
"Superb guided tour: the 150th anniversary of the Opéra Garnier. Karine is an outstanding guide. She fascinated us with her anecdotes. Thanks to her." (Translated from French)
Françoise, Tripadvisor user
"A pure wonder to discover absolutely. Good organization, schedule respected." (Translated from French)
Sophie L, Tripadvisor user
"This allowed us to rediscover most places (halls, stairs, rooms,...) without an audience/visitors. Magical!" (Translated from French)
Cat, Tripadvisor user
"This is the most beautiful building I've ever seen. The architecture, the craftsmanship, and the care it takes to ~preserve~ this monument are all astounding."
Aubin R, Tripadvisor user
Opéra Palais Garnier
Place de l’Opéra 75009 Paris
History and Fun Facts about the Opéra Palais Garnier
One of the most prestigious stages in all of France, the Palais Garnier was constructed between 1860 and 1875, designed by legendary architect Charles Garnier, who was selected among a handful of talented architects in a fierce design competition. The building itself is considered an artful masterpiece, and was one of the most expensive construction projects to come from the Second French Empire under the reign of Napoléon III. The elaborate use of different materials to lend a lavish multicolored facade was typical of many of the works under the rule of Napoléon III, and features sculptures of various figures of Greek mythology. The official inauguration in 1875 was attended by the Mayor of London and Amsterdam, the King Alphonso XII of Spain, and hundreds of members from European high society.
The interior was meticulously designed with intertwining corridors, alcoves and landings to allow for easy movement of large numbers of people; complete with a grand marble staircase and the grand foyer, acting as the drawing room for all of Paris high society and covered in gilded paintings. The auditorium itself is in a traditional Italian horseshoe shape, seating 1900. The stage is the largest in Europe and can accommodate 450 artists, revealed by the opening of the legendary painted curtain. Garnier himself designed the 7-tonne chandelier sparkling above the audience. In 1896, one of the many chandelier counterweights broke free and killed a concierge, the incident that inspired the scenes in the 1910 novel-turned-musical The Phantom of the Opera. The space above the auditorium in the copula dome was once used strictly for cleaning the chandelier, but has since been transformed into a space for opera and dance rehearsals.
The legendary building was initially deemed the Academie Impériale de Musique, yet with the fall of the Second Empire and the start of the Third Republic, this was aptly changed for the Academie Nationale de Musique, which we see written across the exterior facade to this day. Garnier envisioned his design and the transformation of the surrounding area, and to this day the opulence of the Second Empire lives on in this living monument. The avenue de l'Opéra remains the only large Parisian corridor without trees, as Garnier explicitly prevented Haussmann from adorning the street with trees, arguing that his Palais Garnier was to be the main focus. Palais Garnier became the official name in 1989 with the construction of the Opéra Bastille, and the venue now houses primarily ballets.
Fast facts
Capacity: 1,979
Handicap Accessible: Yes – in order to guarantee access to specific locations, we ask that you make your reservation at least 15 days before the performance.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)
FAQ
How do I get to opera house Palais Garnier in the 9th arrondissement of Paris?
The Palais Garnier is accessible by the metro station Opéra (Lines 3, 7, 8) and Auber (RER Line A). Our hotline can be reached in case of difficulty finding the venue weekdays from 10 am to 7pm Paris time. For details, we invite you to consult the map above.
What should I do when I arrive at the Palais Garnier?
We invite you to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the tour. Once you have entered the building, the meeting point with your guide is located at the Rotonde des Abonnés. Please present your voucher to the guide upon your arrival.
How long does a visit at the Palais Garnier last?
Depending on the visit you choose, the guided tour of the Palais Garnier Opera House lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.
Is it a guided tour of the Palais Garnier for an international audience or French speakers?
Both! The Palais Garnier is an iconic monument of Paris, visited as much by travelers as by the local public. Tours are offered in French or English, usually at different times. The language is indicated in the price list after you select a day and time to visit when you make your reservation, so be sure to check your choice.
Is it possible to visit the theatre and backstage?
Although visits often include access to the performance hall, it is not always available due to technical and artistic conditions. Access to the backstage area is not included in the guided tour of the Palais Garnier.