Opéra Garnier (formerly Opéra de Paris), is an exceptional monument and a Parisian icon. Its majestic architecture makes it a major attraction, whether or not you’re planning to see a show. Its rich history has added to its prestige; since its creation, the Opéra has been a home to some of the most beautiful ballets and operas of the moment.
The Opéra also houses a library with over 600,000 documents. Take a guided tour to discover its many riches and magnificent ornaments.
Our hotel by Opéra de Paris is perfect for visitors looking to discover Opéra Garnier.
Opéra Garnier was commissioned by Napoleon III and was built in 1875. The young architect Charles Garnier won the ambitious project in a competition. The opera, which presents a mix of styles, mainly baroque, provoked some controversy when it was built, but is now widely recognised as an architectural wonder. The vast interiors are richly furnished. The square, which was redeveloped to make space for the opera house, now presents a lively, festive atmosphere where you will often hear music being played during the day.
An iconic place for classical dance, the Opéra National de Paris ballet selects the best dancers to perform exceptional ballets. With over 200 performances every year, the ballet presents a varied, high-quality programme. Today, 18th century works are performed alongside Romantic and contemporary pieces. Swan Lake remains one of the best-known ballets, but there are plenty of others to discover at an unforgettable night out, from our hotel right by Opéra de Paris.
On a visit to Opéra, discover the many astonishing spaces within the building including the Rotonde des Abonnés room and the Grand Escalier staircase, as well as temporary exhibitions. Guided tours (which last one and a half to two hours) are the perfect opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of this exceptional building. While guided tours normally have to be planned around performances, visitors are much more free to explore the building during National Heritage Days.