palais garnier visit time

Visitor's Guide to the Opera Garnier in Paris

19th-Century Historic Building

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Seating 2,200 people, the imposing Opera Garnier in Paris —also known as the Palais Garnier or simply the Paris Opera—is an architectural treasure and essential spot for the city's ballet and classical music scene.

Designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875 as the Academie Nationale de Musique—Theatre de l'Opera (National Academy of Music–Opera Theater)—the neo-baroque style Opera Garnier is now the home of the Paris ballet. This does create some confusion for many tourists (ballet in the opera theater).

For anyone hoping to enjoy a Parisian Opera rendition of La Traviata or Mozart's The Magic Flute,  the city's official opera company relocated to the starkly contemporary Opera Bastille in 1989.

Location and Contact Information

The Palais Garnier is located in Paris's relatively central 9th arrondissement, more or less directly north of the Tuileries Gardens and the adjoining Louvre Museum. It's one of the crowning attractions of the Opera-Haussmann neighborhood; one of Paris's most coveted shopping districts and the hub of major department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

To make a morning or afternoon of it, you can visit the Opera, take a stroll around the old department stores, and have lunch in one of the gorgeous old 1900 brasseries in the vicinity (such as Cafe de la Paix, right across from the Opera). Then wander through the grand old streets in the vicinity—an area that's considered one of the crowning jewels of Haussmann's remodeled Paris. 

• Address: 1, place de l'Opera, 9th arrondissement
• Metro: Opera, Pyramides or Havre-Caumartin
• Website : https://www.operadeparis.fr/en

Access, Opening Hours, and Tickets

Visitors can tour the main premises of the Opera Garnier during the day and visit the site's museum, either on an individual basis or as part of a guided tour.

Opening Hours

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (September 10th to July 15th); 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (July 15th to September 10th). Closed January 1st, May 1st. The cashier closes 30 minutes before the official closing time.

Ticket prices for ballet and other performances vary. Current performances at the Opera Garnier change so be sure to check to see what is upcoming.

Food and Dining

A recently opened restaurant situated on the Palais Garnier's eastern side (simply called "L'Opera") offers good-quality cuisine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Fixed-price menus are available at limited times.

Like This? Read These Related Features

Make sure to read our complete guide to Paris for music lovers , which gives you an excellent overview of the city's best venues, annual festivals, and more.

Music fans of all persuasions will love the Philharmonie de Paris, the latest newcomer to the city's art landscape and offering an eclectic program of musical performances, from classical to the world to rock. Meanwhile, if you want to enjoy contemporary opera in Paris, check out the boldly modern charms of the Opera Bastille. 

Finally, for traditional French "chansons," dance, and late-night reveries check out our guide to the best traditional cabarets in Paris, from the Moulin Rouge to more avant-garde (and less expensive) revues like the Zebre de Belleville. 

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Visiting the Palais Garnier (Insider’s Guide)

On my latest visit to Paris, I finally made my way to the Palais Garnier, also known as Paris’ famous Opera House. While I’ve been visiting Paris for years now (it is after all my favourite city in the world), for one reason or another, I was still yet to step foot inside. But visiting the Palais Garnier has long been on my Paris to do list, and here’s why it should be on yours, too!

About the Palais Garnier

For a little back story, the Palais Garnier is a master piece of 19th century theater art architecture. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful architectural structures in Paris, and one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe.

There are 1,979 seats inside the opera house at the Place de l’Opéra. While it is still operational today, tickets can be hard to come by for ballets and operas (not to mention expensive!) If you are interested in the architecture itself like I was, you can visit during the day for a guided tour. This is a great way to roam the interiors and learn the history of the opera house, without the expensive ticket price.

The Palais Garnier was built as the official Paris Opera House from 1861 to 1875. It was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III. It gained international notoriety when it was used as the backdrop for Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera.

Visiting the Palais Garnier

I visited the Palais Garnier as a day guest given my interest was more in the building itself than seeing a show. This is the best way to roam the interiors at great length, as well as learning the history. In the evening there are performances, however you can expect more crowds before and after shows.

Visiting in the morning is the best time to see the Palais Garnier. There are fewer crowds and a beautiful morning light pours in through the massive windows.

The best way to see the Opera House is to join a guided tour. We opted for a private two-hour tour to really get to know the ins and outs of the building. After all, I feel like I owed the Palais Garnier at least that after taking so long to finally visit!

This is easily one of my favourite tours I have booked in the city of Paris. While I love seeing the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, I really felt like I got a better history of the city itself on this tour. There’s so much to learn every time I visit Paris that it just never gets old! You will also learn more about the boulevards and grandeur of the city while on the tour.

Plan your visit

Opening hours:.

From Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 7pm and until the end of performances. Access from street Havély or from the theatre public areas.

Ticket Prices:

Full rate: €14  (€12 outside exhibition periods) Reduced rate: €10  (€8 outside exhibition periods) Free admisssions  (children under 12, unemployed)

We booked a private tour of the Palais Garnier for the full Opera House experience. You can book yours here through the Paris Opera House official website.

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Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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The Palais Garnier

Created by the architect Charles Garnier in 1875, the Palais Garnier houses a prestigious auditorium and public areas (grand foyer, rotonde des abonnés, salons), a museum-library, as well as several rehearsal studios and workshops. The “Italian-style” auditorium, with its ceiling painted in 1964 by Marc Chagall, can accommodate 2054 spectators. With nearly 480,000 visitors each year, it is one of Paris' most visited monuments. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1923.  

To visit the Palais Garnier, consult the section

Immerse in the paris opera universe.

Business Space

Patronage and sponsorship.

• Your support
• The projects
• Your level of engagement
• The benefits you want to enjoy

Your public relations operations

• Premium tickets
• Business club

Rental of spaces and filming

• Rental of space Garnier
• Rental of space Bastille

Licensing program, advertising space and cultural engineering

• Licensing program
• Advertising space
• Cultural engineering
• The “Children dreams” Morning
• The Opening Gala and the “Gala des grandes voix”

Place de l’Opéra 75009 Paris

Place de la Bastille 75012 Paris

Download the application for free Opéra de Paris

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A Worthwhile Guided Tour: Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier)

I much prefer taking guided tours when I travel because the learning is interactive. I often start to daydream when the self-guided audio-tour I’ve been given goes on and on and on. After a while it just becomes boring and I zone out. That’s why I especially liked taking the guided tour of the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier), which, according to Tripadvisor, is #4 on the list of top attractions in Paris attracting almost 480,000 visitors a year. 

The in-depth, expert commentary about the building’s creation, architecture, and history was one thing. But being able to ask questions and discuss things with our tour guide made the experience more meaningful and worthwhile and our tour guide really brought the building and history to life. If you’re going to do a guided tour, do it at the Palais Garnier, considered one of the world’s grandest theatres.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I get a small commission at no extra charge to you. It helps support the running of this website and I do appreciate your help.*

1. Palais Garnier Opera House Tour, Paris

About a month before visiting the Paris Opera House, my niece, her husband, and I ordered tickets online for the guided tour. We chose one of the morning, English-speaking tours. In addition to French and English tours, there are also Spanish-speaking tours with a maximum of 30 people. The cost of the guided tour is currently 18.5 €  and the self-guided visit is 14 € where you get access to the public areas and any exhibitions going on.

With the self-guided tour, you can pay an extra 6.5 € to get a tablet which will provide you with a 1 hour multi-media tour through the opera. So it’s actually quite reasonable to take the guided tour.

We arrived 30 minutes before the tour was to start to exchange our voucher for our tickets. We then had to go through security and join the other ticket-holders in a waiting area, the Rotonde des Abbonées.

Consider Booking Tickets To See A Show At The Palais Garnier : Really keen on seeing a ballet, a concert, an opera, or even demonstrations of the Paris Opera Dance School at the Palais Garnier? Check out what’s available and the best prices here: Performances At Palais Garnier .

(a) The Rotonde des Abbonées

The Rotonde des Abbonées is a circular room or vestibule that has pillars on the perimeter, mosaic tiles on the floor, and a very decorative ceiling. Throughout much of the Paris Opera there are symbols of Greek mythology and as you head to the Grand Escalier (Grand Staircase) you pass by La Pythonisse (or Pythia), priestess of the god Apollo greets you.

Interesting fact #1 : the Pythia sculpture was done in bronze by Marcello who was actually a woman, Adèle d’Affry, the Duchess Castiglione-Colonna.

You might also like to read these posts:  – What’s So Special About The Wallace Fountains In Paris? Free Water – Where You’ll See Famous Arches In France   – Best Views Of Paris? From The Pantheon Dome 

(b) Special Headphones

Our tour guide spoke excellent English and explained how the opera house can get very busy and crowded and rather than try to speak over all the voices, she would speak into a microphone and we would be able to clearly hear her using special headphones. These headsets amplified her voice but her words remained very clear. And no matter how close or far we were from her, we could hear her.

We did have to provide her with a piece of identification (ie. license or passport) that she held onto in exchange for the headphones. This is not uncommon when you borrow audio-guides at museums.

During our 90 minute tour, was informative and provided interesting commentary. Of course, she elaborated on the Phantom of the Opera and parts of the story that were true and not true. She took us to various areas and rooms and gave us time to take photos, wander around a bit, and ask questions. 

2. History Of Palais Garnier

She began our tour by telling us some stories about the opera’s history. Napoleon III was on a mission to reconstruct and modernize Paris, adding sewers, creating grand boulevards and more light to the area. This was done with the help of Baron Haussmann.

A competition was established to choose a design for the new Opera House. There would be 2 phrases where applicants would be narrowed down to 7 in the 2nd phase. Architect Charles Garnier was one of 7 finalists and after revising his project, it was finally selected as the winning design. He began construction of the Opera in 1861.

The Paris Opera house was one of the most expensive buildings to be built at a cost of 7.5 million francs.

Interesting fact #2: the Opera House was so expensive that the government had to borrow over half of the money (4.9 million francs) from wealthy entrepreneur, François Blanc, who managed Monaco’s Monte Carlo Casino.

Palais Garnier was finally completed January 5, 1875. Electrical lighting was installed in 1881. Up until then gas lighting was used. The opera house was originally called Salle des Capucines but became known as the Palais Garnier, named after the architect.

Interesting fact #3 : during the construction, water kept seeping into the basement,  and eventually a pond was formed and Garnier decided to create an artificial reservoir or pond to hold the water.

Interesting fact #4 : in 1896, a part of an enormous chandelier—a counterweight—broke free and fell, killing one person. In 1910, author Gaston Leroux used the area of water or “lake” of stores as well as the chandelier incident as inspiration for his famous story, Le Fantôme de l’Opéra (The Phantom of the Opera). The story and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical of the same name has certainly made the Palais Garnier even more famous.

The Paris Opera House is one of the largest and opulent opera houses in Europe, seating almost 2000 people. It became a national heritage site—“Monument Historique“—  in 1923.

3. The Highlights Of The Palais Garnier

We were brought to various rooms and areas in the building, including the famed auditorium, where you can see the famous painting that Marc Chagall did on the ceiling. The style of the architecture throughout was eclectic with a mix of Greek, Baroque, Renaissance, and Beaux-Arts styles.

(a) Grand Escalier (Staircase)

As you climb the Grand Staircase from La Rotonde des Abbonées, you are presented with additional staircases and landings which take you to the different floors, salons, and foyers. The staircases are made primarily of white marble with additional added coloured marble columns (balustrade) supporting the railings. There are two female sculptures, dressed in robes, on each side of the entrance to the orchestra and balconies.

This whole area was for socializing before the performance. Spectators were surrounded by broad staircases, painted ceilings, and elaborate chandeliers.

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(b) Ceilings

Remember to look UP in the Opera house where ever you are because you’ll see elaborate ceilings and enormous chandeliers. The ceiling above the Grand Staircase was done in 4 panels with scenes from Greek mythology by Isidore Pils (1815-1875).

Interesting fact #5: part way through the painting of the ceiling, Pils became ill and his students (many who became famous in their own right), had to finish his work.

(c) Grand Foyer

The Grand Foyer is quite impressive and ornate. It reminds me of Château de Versaille’s Hall of Mirrors where the light streams through the many windows and illuminates the many chandeliers, gold painted pillars and walls, grand mirrors, and the colourfully decorated paintings on the ceiling by Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry (1828-1886).

(d) Salon du Glacier

The Galleria du Glacier is a long hallway featuring elements and designs of the Belle Époque and it leads to the Salon du Glacier, a rotunda that was opened after the opening of the Opera House. It has another large chandelier and an decorated ceiling painted by Georges Clairin (1843-1919). In this area there are also marble busts, tapestries of hunting and fishing scenes and paintings of dancing Greek Bacchantes.

(e) Library-Museum Of The Paris Opera

Quite surprising to many of us was that the Paris Opera is also a library-museum (Bibliotèque-Musée de l’Opera de Paris). There are many sites that belong to the Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France) including the Richelieu Library which I recommend visiting so you can see the magnificent Labrouste Reading Room (the Salle Labrouste).

This particular library and museum contains hundreds of thousands of documents, paintings, photographs, letters, and other items which date back hundreds of years.

(f) Auditorium: Marc Chagall’s Painting On The Ceiling

One of the items on display in the Library-museum is actually the initial ceiling for the auditorium. It was painted by Jules-Eugene Lenepveu and was called, “The Muses and the Hours of the Day and Night”.

Interesting fact #6: Lenepveu’s painting was considered too old-fashioned and in 1964, French Culture Minister, André Malraux, commissioned artists Marc Chagall to paint a new ceiling. This is the painting that is there today; however, there continues to be controversy about the painting and whether it is appropriate for its surroundings, where many consider it too modern.

The chandelier in the centre has 340 lights, weighs 8 tons, and is made of bronze and crystal. At the time it cost 30,000 francs. Even the chandelier had controversy. There were complaints that the chandelier obstructed the view and Lenepveu’s painting of the ceiling by those sitting in the box seats on the fourth level.

There is NO guarantee that you will have access to the auditorium on the self-guided or guided tours as there could be rehearsals going on. We were fortunate to be able to visit it and sit on the very plush seats.

Our tour also allowed us to “peak” into one of the opera boxes) which are located on the side or facing the stage called loge de côté and loges de face)—-a separate room where 4-6 guests can watch a performance in the privacy of their own “space”. You might also be able to visit box #5, which is the Phantom’s box in the story. The plaque on the door, “Loge du Fantôme de l’Opera” indicates the box is reserved for the Phantom. 

4. Attend A Performance At The Paris Opera House

We didn’t really have much time to gaze around the horseshoe-shaped auditorium; however, many years before this tour, I did attend a ballet with a friend.

When we arrived at the Opera, we couldn’t get a ticket for a tour, but we could get last-minute tickets to see a performance by the American Ballet, so we bought tickets. Our box was very high up and we had it all to ourselves. I will be very honest and say I had to leave early. It was in the summertime and the heat was just too much. (Remember, hot air rises!) I was getting faint! It was a long time ago and there wasn’t air conditioning.

Does the Palais Garnier have air conditioning today? I have heard yes, however, if you are on one of the highest levels it can still get stuffy and hot in those boxes. The only downside of seeing the ballet was that we didn’t really get to see all the salons, rooms, and areas of the Opera House, which is why I did the tour many years later.

5. The “Other” Opera House: Opera Bastille

There is another opera house in Paris. In 1989 the Opera Bastille was constructed and is located at Place de la Bastille. This is now the location for operas. Palais Garnier is primarily used for ballet performances.

Between 1994 and 2007 major renovations were made on the Palais Garnier to modernize the stage, improve the electrical components, and reinforce the structure and foundation. The architecture is stunning and the Opera House Paris tour is well worth the 18.5€ . On the Palais Garnier website you can see that their calendar indicates the number of available spots on the tour and quite often many are available.

6. Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier)

• Visit The Palais Garnier (website) : https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier
• Hours: open daily 10:00-5:00  (and 10-6 pm in the summer) except for afternoons when there are performances
• Most guided tours: are at 2:00 pm.
• Cost for the guided tour tickets : 18.5€*
• Reduced rate: if you have a ticket from the Musée d’Orsay or Musée Gustave Moreau that is not greater than 8 days old you can save a few Euros on the cost of your ticket.
• To check out what shows you can see and the best prices, click here : Performances At Palais Garnier .
• Address : Place de l’Opera

*Prices are subject to change.

Check out my post about booking tours in advance for more information: Trip Advice Part 1

TRAVEL RESOURCES Booking.com and Expedia : are the companies I use for finding accommodations. VRBO : is super for booking apartments and houses.  AutoEurope : is the only car rental supplier that I will use–with the best prices, and they will refund the difference if the price goes down.  Trainline : offers an easy way to book train tickets. Get Your Guide and Viator : Both offer tours, city cards, tickets, airport pickups, and so many other things you’ll need at your destination. Orange SIM Card -this is the company I use when I want a physical SIM card Airalo eSIM -offers eSIMS and get great reviews

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Palais Garnier

The Paris Opera is an imposing neobarroque-style building from the nineteenth century which has inspired several plays and books, including 'The Phantom of the Opera'. 

Located in the Palais Garnier, the Opéra Garnier is an impressive Neo-Baroque building that together with the Bastille Opéra makes up the Paris Opera . This building inspired the famous novel by Gastón Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera.

After Napoleon III's decision to design a new building for the opera, a contest was organized in which over 170 architects submitted their projects . Subsequently, the young architect Charles Garnier was selected to carry out the construction of the new concert hall. 

Before the building was finished, Napoleon decided to make an avenue connecting Palais Garnier with Palais des Tuileries . To achieve this, thousands of families were evicted and their houses demolished. Curiously, the Emperor never used this avenue even when it was finished.

The construction began in 1860 and wasn't finished until 1875 due to several complications like the war of 1870 or the fall of the Second French Empire.

Finally, after the intricate work of 14 painters, craftsmen, and 73 sculptors, the Palais Garnier was opened in 1875 . Unreasonably, the architect of the project, Garnier, was not even invited to the inauguration for having had contact with Napoleon. To access the music hall, he had to buy an admission ticket and see it as any other Parisian.

Discovering the Palais Garnier 

During the visit to the Palais Garnier, it's possible to see the extravagance and opulence of the building.

One of the most impressive parts of the Opéra is the Grand Foyer, with gold leafing and stunning mosaics, where the spectators would chat with others during the intermission.

The Auditorium, decorated in red and gold tones, is illuminated by a large chandelier that lights up the lively and colorful ceiling, created by Marc Chagall. The Auditorium can only seat 1,900 , which is small if we compare it to the size of the whole Opera.

Probably one of the most noteworthy elements of the building is the white marble Grand staircase with a balustrade of red and green marble.

An enriching visit 

The Palais Garnier is a remarkable building that transmits the past’s opulence and elegance .

Visitors can either visit the Opera with a tour guide or by themselves. The guided tours last 90 minutes, so you might prefer to visit the building by yourself if you don't have much time to spare. 

Rue Scribe with rue Auber

Every day: 10 am to 5 pm 17 July – 11 September: 10 am – 5:30 pm

Adults: € 15 ( US$ 16.20) Youth (less than 25) and students: € 10 ( US$ 10.80) Children (less than 12): free entry. Free entry with the Paris Pass .

Metro : Ópera , lines 3, 7 and 8. RER : Auber , line A. Bus : lines 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 52, 53, 66, 68, 81 and 95.

Nearby places

Place Vendôme (532 m) La Madeleine (575 m) Chapelle expiatoire (677 m) Musée Grevin (750 m) Musée des Arts Décoratifs (970 m)

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Les Invalides

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With an enormous dome which is visible from numerous parts of Paris, the Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacé-Coeur) is housed in the charming Montmartre neighborhood, known as the Painter's Neighborhood.

Opéra Garnier: a Parisian tour combining art, history and culture!

• Post published: 21 November 2023

Close to the Louvre Museum, the Palais Garnier is ideally located in Paris. With an entrance ticket, you can visit this magnificent Italian-style opera house. Find out all you need to know before you come.

Palais Garnier: mirroring the artistic soul of Paris

Designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875 , the Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, is housed in a magnificent building. It is a historic monument, a grandiose work of art and a symbol of France’s cultural prestige.

One of Paris’s most recognizable landmarks, the opera house is on the Place de l’Opéra in the 9th arrondissement.

At first glance, you’re captivated by the building’s sumptuous architecture. Its facade, adorned with sculptures, columns, and friezes, gives a glimpse of the elegance that awaits inside. The Beaux-Arts style, emblematic of the Second Empire, blends classical grandeur with an almost baroque whimsy that evokes the glamour of the theater.

Inside, the Opéra Garnier continues to dazzle. Right from the start, the Grand Escalier greets you. This architectural masterpiece, with its marble steps, gilded balustrades, and bronze statues, makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

The tour then takes you through the opera’s various rooms. Among them, the auditorium , with its incredible ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and its Baccarat crystal chandelier, is a must see.

The Foyer , which mimics the appearance of castle galleries, with its giant mirrors, gilded mosaics, and ceiling paintings, is another room that’s sure to fill you with wonder.

But the Opéra Garnier is more than just an architectural marvel. It’s also a showplace of artistic creation par excellence. The Paris Opera Ballet, one of the world’s most renowned dance companies, makes its home here.

To visit the Opéra Garnier is to enter a world of history, art and culture.

Highlights of a visit to the Opéra Garnier

• Grandiose, detailed architecture
• The chance to attend exceptional shows
• The site’s rich history
• The Grand Staircase, an architectural gem

Disadvantages of a visit to the Opéra Garnier

• The long wait at the ticket office for those who didn’t buy the ticket in advance
• The visit is not possible when events are taking place in the palace (check before you go!)

What can you see at the Palais Garnier?

A visit to the Opéra Garnier is a feast for the eyes and the mind.

The journey begins as soon as you approach this impressive building. As the photos in my article testify, you’re transported into a world where art, history, and culture blend to perfection.

The building’s exterior is a spectacle, with its grandiose façade dominated by a gilded copper frieze depicting the various stages of musical creation. Take a moment to admire the details of the façade, from the statues to the entrance mosaic, before entering the building.

Inside, the white marble Grand Staircase is an architectural marvel that leads to the theater’s various levels and halls. The walls are adorned with sculptures and the vaulted ceilings are decorated with painted frescoes. Look up and marvel at the detail and grandeur of this magnificent staircase.

But the staircase is only the beginning of the discovery. Equally impressive is the Opera Foyer, with its painted ceiling, gilded mosaics, and glittering chandeliers. Take time to admire the murals and gilded ornaments that evoke the luxury and opulence of the period.

The auditorium is undoubtedly the jewel of the Opéra Garnier . With its ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and its massive crystal chandelier, it’s a true masterpiece. When the curtain rises, the auditorium lights up with a thousand lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

And if you’re lucky enough to attend a performance, prepare to be dazzled by the quality of the performances and the magic of the music. On a self-guided tour, the aisles of the opera house are out of reach. But with a guided tour, you can.

And don’t forget the Bibliothèque-Musée de l’Opéra, with its vast collection of documents on the history of the Opéra Garnier and the art of opera .

How much does admission to the Opéra Garnier cost?

Admission to the Opéra Garnier is

• Self-guided tour: €14
• Guided tours: this depends on the tour you choose.

  Check out the current price on GetyourGuide .  

How long does a visit to the Palais Garnier last?

Allow between 1h30 and 2h to discover this magnificent place.

Where is the Palais Garnier?

How do I get to the Opéra Garnier?

If you’re coming by car, you can use a nearby parking lot, such as the Parking Indigo Olympia.

For public transport, metro lines 3, 7 and 8 serve the Opéra, as do RER lines A and E at Auber station.

What are the opening hours of the Opéra Garnier?

The Palais Garnier is open every day from 10a.m. to 5p.m . However, it may be closed during performances.

My opinion of the Opéra Garnier: is it a good visit?

I hadn’t originally planned to visit the opera. But, as my visit to the Musée d’Orsay was shorter than planned, we made the trip to the Palais Garnier.

When I entered this emblematic building, I quickly realized that I wouldn’t regret my visit. The splendor of the architectural details, the brilliance of the gilding, the richness of the frescoes and moldings… Everything here speaks of a bygone era when art and aesthetics were king.

We opted for a self-guided tour, because with my fatigue I was worried that a guided tour would be tiresome. With an audio tour to complement it, it was an excellent idea.

I won’t repeat the main highlights, as I’ve already mentioned them above. To cut a long story short, we loved it, and the most impressive part is clearly the ceilings painted by Chagall.

However, not everything was perfect. I wasn’t prepared for the long queue to get a ticket. We arrived at 2p.m. and were able to start our tour at 2:30p.m. If you’re planning to visit the Palais Garnier, don’t be like us and book your ticket.

What else can you do near the Opéra Garnier?

Once your visit to the Opéra Garnier is over, the City of Light still has a lot to offer. Here are a few suggestions:

• Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
• Exploring Printemps Haussmann
• Visit to the Fragonard Perfume Museum
• Discover the Place Vendôme
• Macaroon tasting at Ladurée
• Visit the Madeleine church
• A stroll in the Tuileries Gardens
• Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie
• Discover the Palais Royal
• Visit to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France
• Visit the Musée Grévin…

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Guide to the Palais Garnier: How to See the Paris Opera House

The Palais Garnier, home to the Opéra Garnier, is a place of art, beauty, and even intrigue.

You can appreciate its art and beauty in the live shows and lovely architecture that brightens the 9th arrondissement of Paris. And there’s some intrigue thanks to its connection to the famous Phantom of the Opera, which still draws adoring fans to the opera house today.

Want to see this photo-worthy landmark? Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Palais Garnier in Paris.

Where to find the Opéra Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is in the busy 9th arrondissement in Paris, right at the corner of Scribe and Auber streets. Appropriately, it holds court at the center of the Place de l’Opéra.

It’s accessible from the metro stop Opéra on lines 3, 7 and 8, or the station Auber on the RER A.

Local tip: If you like shopping, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is just a short walk away.

Some Paris Opera House History

The Opéra dates back to the mid-19th century when French architect Charles Garnier designed the building in the Second Empire Style, a term used to describe architecture heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance. It officially opened on Jan. 5, 1875. And if you were curious, the very first opera performed here was “La Juive,” a five-act libretto featuring forbidden love, vengeance, and plenty of dramatic arias.

And what about that connection to the Phantom of the Opera connection ? The famous play is based on none other than the Opéra Garnier in Paris.  The famous tale of a haunting love triangle was a hit on Broadway and in England. While the story is fictional, the setting was inspired by the beautiful maze-like interior of the Paris Opéra. You can take a Phantom-themed tour of the opera house to see for yourself.

The Mysterious Underground Lake of the Paris Opera House

Yes, there’s an underground “lake” at the Opéra Garnier. Unfortunately, no one (guests and employees alike) have access to it.

Rumor has it, French firefighters use it to practice mock rescues here. What we do know is that the eerie subterranean reservoir inspired the French writer behind the “Phantom of the Opéra” novel, who decided to set the phantom’s lair there.

In reality, the “lake” is actually a cistern used to manage the groundwater below the building’s foundations.

What to Expect Inside the Opéra Garnier

The opera house is as extravagant and imposing as the different shows you can enjoy there. It seats over 2,000 in its massive gilded auditorium. But it’s not just a theatre. The architecture and art is an experience all on its own.

Here’s what to see before you take a seat.

Rotunde des Abbonées

When you enter the Palais Garnier, you’ll find yourself at the “Rotonde des abonnés,” a glamorous rotunda with a decorative ceiling. This is where you can buy tickets, but it’s also a great place to snap photos. Look for the sculpture of the Greek goddess Pythia right underneath the grand staircase.

The Auditorium

It’s the classic opera house: plush red seats and gold trimming. The auditorium is breathtaking when you see it for the first time, with a structure made of everything from stucco to velvet.

Of course, there are two stars of the theater — and I’m talking about stars on the stage. One is the 8-ton bronze and crystal chandelier, complete with 340 lights. The other is the house curtain. The original, painted according to Charles Garnier’s instructions, was replaced with a replica, first in the 1950s and then in the 1990s.

Salon du Glacier

If you are a fan of awe-inspiring mosaics, don’t skip this section of the Palais Garnier.

The long gallery has a colorful painted ceiling with themes from music history. But the main thing to look out for is the replica of Charles Garnier’s bust near a window looking toward the Louvre .

Grand Escalier

This means “grand stairway,” and it certainly is a fitting name. The marble double staircase, with various chandeliers lighting the way up each step, leads to different floors of the opera house. And it’s vault is nearly 100 feet high.

This isn’t just a library — it’s an impressive museum in it’s own right with 300 years’ worth of history. Along with books, you’ll find paintings, drawings and set models.

The Palais Garnier library actually falls under the French National Library system and is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. While the reading room is reserved for researchers only, the museum section of the library is part of the opera house tour.

Visiting the Opéra Garnier (AKA Palais Garnier)

This famous opera house is too big for one name. You’ll find it referred to as the Palais Garnier or the Opéra Garnier. The name Garnier is a nod to the architect behind the building, Charles Garnier. But the building has had a few names over the years, including “National Academy of Music,” which you can see emblazoned on the front in gold letters as “Académie Nationale de Musique.”

Before going inside, take a moment to admire the exterior. It’s heavily decorated all along the many-columned facade. Besides the sculptures embedded into the front of the palace, you’ll notice gold winged statues on either side of the roof and a central sculptural group at the very top. That’s Apollo, Greek god of music and dance (and the sun and other things), holding a golden lyre with the figures of Poetry and Music by his side.

If you like classical sculptures referencing mythology and ornate, gilded architecture, you definitely should go inside the Palais Garnier.

Fortunately, there’s no need to watch a show to take in all of the Palais Garnier’s glamour. You can opt for a guided or self-guided tour of the Opéra . Group tours happen daily starting at 10 a.m., with the last tour at 5 p.m. Individual tours are offered in the afternoon in both English and French.

On a budget? You can walk inside for free, just to get a glimpse of the lobby. But to get any further and see more of this palace, you’ll need to sign up for a tour or ticket.

But a virtual tour is always free. The Opéra Garnier teamed up with Google Cultural Institute to provide an in-depth look at all the building has to offer, so opera-lovers can take the tour from anywhere in the world.

Seeing a Show

You can catch a variety of shows at this Paris opera house — not just operas.

There are certainly plenty of classic operas, often sung in Italian, but there are also ballets and concerts highlighting work from composers like Mozart, Bach, and Vivaldi.

Before you book, take a look to see if you can get discounted tickets. The Opéra Garnier offers special pricing for those under 28 and gives another discount for those under 40.

Answers to Your Questions About the Palais Garnier

Is the Palais Garnier open to the public?

Yes, it is. You can tour it for a fee or stop into the lobby where you would buy tickets, just to take a peek inside. The opera house is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What can you do nearby?

Hardly a block away from the Palais Garnier is the Galeries Lafayette, a shopping experience with all of the luxury brands you can think of. In fact, if you go to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette, you’ll get a direct view of the opera house and the Eiffel Tower .

If you have a sweet tooth, you have to go to Fauchon, a high-end pastry shop a short walk away near the Madeleine metro stop on line 12, 14, and 8. They’re known for their gold-encrusted hazelnut tart. You must give it a try.

If you’d like a nice bar, check out Harry’s New York Bar, merely a five-minute walk away. It’s legendary — the bloody mary was invented at this famous cocktail joint.

Why is the Palais Garnier famous?

The Palais Garnier is one of many monuments dedicated to Paris’ rich art history. It’s Second Empire architecture captivates tourists and locals alike.

But one of the main draws — apart from the impressive concerts — are its ties to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash Broadway hit, “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Art, Architecture, and History at the Opéra Garnier

Like many Paris monuments, this place packs a lot into one location. It’s an opera house, museum, library, and architectural marvel. With nearly 480,000 visitors each year, the Palais Garnier is one of Paris’ most visited monuments. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1923.

Whether you want to enjoy the architecture from the outside alone, take a tour indoors, or splurge on a show, this is an easy add to your Paris itinerary, thanks to its central location not far from the Louvre.

Looking for another landmark that pulls double (or triple) duty? Check out our guide to the Panthéon , a monument, crypt, and art gallery all in one.

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Is the Palais Garnier Opera House Paris Worth Visiting? (2023)

Considering visiting the Palais Garnier? It’s no secret that Paris is full of an abundance of world-renowned landmarks. However, if you have a short amount of time in the city, you may be overwhelmed trying to plan the perfect itinerary and wondering is the Palais Garnier is worth visiting.

In this article, I will share my personal experience, provide insights into what you can anticipate, and hopefully help you decide whether or not to visit the Opera Garnier!

Table of Contents

Is the palais garnier worth visiting (2023), palais garnier tours & tickets, best time to visit the palais garnier, 7 interesting palais garnier facts, where to stay in paris, palais garnier: faq, wrap-up: is the palais garnier worth visiting (2023).

The Palais Garnier or Paris Opera House, is the largest Opera House in Europe. And after exploring the captivating halls of the Opera Garnier, I wholeheartedly believe that this iconic landmark is an absolute must-visit for any traveler. Think of it like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower. Everyone visits even if they have no true interest in learning about the history or seeing specific works of art. In this sense, everyone should visit even if they aren’t the biggest performing arts enthusiast.

That said, I know that visiting the Opera House in Paris may genuinely not be worth it for some people lol. So below, you’ll find a few cases in which I think Palais Garnier is worth visiting and a few cases in which you may want to skip it.

The Palais Garnier Is Worth Visiting If…

You want to discover one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Paris. I know that was a very subjective statement to make, but as I said earlier, this is a building that should be seen by everyone. From the mesmerizing grand staircase adorned with marble and gold to the majestic auditorium with its exquisite chandelier and velvet red seats, every corner of the Opera Garnier exudes a sense of grandiosity and artistry that is truly unparalleled. Not only that, but the building serves as a living testament to the Parisian culture and its enduring love affair with the arts. There are so many hidden secrets and stories entrenched in the walls of Palais Garnier. It provides visitors an opportunity to connect to an era full of grandeur, elegance, and extravagance.

Lastly, I recommend visiting for anyone who loves the Phantom of the Opera. Personally, the Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite stories ever. As a result, coming to Palais Garnier and getting to see the Phantom’s box and hear about pieces that inspired the story was an incredible experience. Thus, if you are a history aficionado, an architecture enthusiast, a lover of the performing arts, or a fan of the Phantom of the Opera, then the legendary Palais Garnier is likely worth visiting!

The Palais Garnier Is Not Worth Visiting If…

Honestly, there’s almost no scenario in which I wouldn’t recommend visiting the Palais Garnier. 😂 Like to me, it was that impressive… That said, if you have zero interest in admiring the architecture and the performing arts, then yeah it may be worth skipping. The entire duration of your visit, you’ll be walking around the areas open to the public, observing the architecture, and imagining what it must have been like to attend a performance centuries ago. Or, if you go on a tour, you’ll be doing that and listening to your guide speak about the history and origins of the building. 😅 So, if that doesn’t sound appealing, then it may be worth skipping.

Another case in which you may want to skip it is if you’re short on time. Obviously, this applies to every attraction in Paris. But, for those who really are passionate about the performing arts and keen on fully exploring this wonderful building, I highly recommend taking a tour. The only thing is that there are very limited spots for the tours. Therefore, if you can’t secure a spot on a tour and your only option is for a general entry ticket , I would maybe hold off until your next visit to Paris. That’s what I did because I wanted to discover the Palais Garnier all at once. Again, these are just my opinions. Take everything with a heap of salt!

Is the Palais Garnier Free? Unfortunately, Palais Garnier is not free to enter. You can either purchase a general entrance ticket and opt to complete a self-guided tour, or you can take a guided tour through Palais Garnier. Below are different ticket options you can select from.

• A regular entry ticket for a self-guided tour of Palais Garnier
• A bundled ticket: entry to Palais Garnier plus 1-hour cruise on the Seine
• Private 2-hour tour explores the Opera House & Galeries-Lafayette
• Guided large group tour run by the Opera House

For those who opt to do a self-guided visit, the best time to visit the Palais Garnier is during the week, right when the Paris Opera House opens at 10 AM. This is when you’ll have the best chance of avoiding crowds and having a slightly more intimate experience.

Oh and please note: Despite the website saying that the last entry time is 4:45 PM, I highly suggest not showing up any later than 4:30 PM. When I visited, they turned people with a general entry ticket away before 4:45 PM and told them to come back the next day. Meanwhile, for those who go with a guided tour, I highly recommend reserving an after-hours tour! Getting to explore Palais Garnier when it’s mostly empty and there’s a small fraction of the number of people who are there during the day is an absolute delight! Also, it does wonders for actually hearing what your guide has to say haha!

🎭 PRO TIP: If you opt to do a tour offered by the Opera House, reserve your tickets ASAP! They almost ALWAYS sell out well in advance! I was extremely lucky to find a tour for 4 days later because when I booked, they were almost completely sold out for the next two weeks!

How Long Does It Take to Walk Through Palais Garnier?

With a guided tour, it can take anywhere from 1 – 1.5 hours to walk through Palais Garnier, depending on the tour you select. If you opt to do a self-guided tour, you can obviously spend as much or as little time as you’d like. The optional audioguide that’s available as an add-on lasts 1.5 hours. So to be on the safe side, I’d plan on two hours! But you can of course rush through in about 45 minutes if you had to.

For those who want a sneak peek of what you may learn on a guided tour or are simply keen on learning a bit of background information on the history of Palais Garnier… here are 7 interesting Palais Garnier Facts!

1. Why Was the Palais Garnier Built?

Before the Palais Garnier was built, the Opéra de Paris resided in a temporary building known as the Salle Le Peletier. Aside from the location already being temporary, this location proved to have another monumental flaw that was exposed in 1858.

During a visit to the Salle Le Peletier for a concert, Napoleon III and Empress Eugènie narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. Three bombs exploded, causing chaos and resulting in the loss of eight lives. This event provided urgency to construct a new opera house in a more secure and spacious location that would allow for a private entrance for the head of the state.

Thus it was an assassination attempt combined with the inadequate facilities of the previous building that prompted the Palais Garnier to be built.

2. Palais Garnier Architect

While many people know of the Opera House in Paris, the name Charles Garnier, the architect, is lesser-known. This is because Garnier was essentially the equivalent of being plucked from obscurity. Let me explain. In December of 1860, Emperor Napoleon III officially announced an architectural design competition for the design of the new opera house. Over 170 proposals were submitted, with several world-renowned architects vying for the opportunity to design the new Paris Opera House.

Despite the stiff competition, Charles Garnier found himself ranked last among the five finalists that would move on to the second part of the competition. And it was during the second half of the competition that Garnier found himself as the final contender in the competition. This was because he decided to take a bold approach, transforming his plans into a grandiose structure that deviated from strict classical conventions, adopting a more eclectic and expressive style. Other works by Garnier include the Nice Observatory in lovely Nice, France , and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, which is part of Monaco ‘s famed casino.

3. Palais Garnier Architecture

The Palais Garnier was designed in what Garnier referred to as the “Napoleon III” style. This architectural style embraced eclecticism, drawing inspiration from various historical periods. As such, you can observe a harmonious blend of Baroque, Palladian classicism, and Renaissance elements.

In addition, throughout the Palais Garnier, you’ll find lots of hidden details and symbolic elements. For instance, symbolism in the form of chords and lyres can be found in various parts of the opera house…

And near the entrance, you can find Charles Garnier’s name, profession, and the year the Opera House was completed discreetly inscribed on the ceiling!

From its intricate detailing to the subtle symbolism woven into its design, the opera house is a treasure trove of architectural wonders and hidden delights!

4. Grand Staircase Palais Garnier

Arguably the most well-known image of the Opera House in Paris of the Grand Staircase.

Crafted from exquisite white marble and adorned with a striking balustrade of red and green marble, the staircase splits into two divergent flights that gracefully lead to the Grand Foyer.

Above, you’ll see intricate and vivid paintings by Isidore Pils. A little fun fact is that the initial paintings were deemed too dark for the space just two months before the grand opening. As such, Pils and his students undertook the challenging task of reworking the canvases. However, Pils fell ill, leaving his students to complete the work. The Herculean effort paid off when the paintings were finished the day prior to the opening, allowing the scaffolding to be removed, revealing the resplendent masterpiece above.

Both in the past and for modern-day society, ascending the grand ceremonial staircase of the Palais Garnier is one of the highlights of the evening.

5. Palais Garnier Foyer

Next to the grand staircase and main stage itself, one of the most famous rooms is the Palais Garnier Foyer.

When you see this room for the first time, the beauty and grandeur of the room will literally take your breath away. And for those who have visited the Sun King’s home, you’ll immediately notice this room’s striking resemblance to the opulent Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles .

During the 19th century, the grand hall within the Palais Garnier served as an elegant drawing room for Parisian society. And you’ll notice a contrasting bit of light and shadow/smokiness around the room which evokes an air of enigma.

Architecturally speaking, the foyer spans an impressive 18 meters in height, 54 meters in length, and 13 meters in width. Looking up at the ceiling, you’ll be able to admire a masterpiece by Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry, which reveals significant moments in the history of music. Adjacent to the foyer, there are two octagonal salons with ceilings painted by Jules-Élie Delaunay and Félix-Joseph Barrias. And a little hidden gem is that Garnier himself is depicted in this room… but I’ll leave it to you to find out where when and if you visit! 😉

6. Palais Garnier Phantom of the Opera

For many people around the globe, including myself, the Palais Garnier is near and dear to our hearts because it’s the setting for Gaston Leroux’s acclaimed novel, The Phantom of the Opera.

And what many people don’t know is that several real-life events that unfolded at the renowned Palais Garnier inspired bits and pieces of The Phantom of the Opera. One notable example is the falling chandelier. During a performance at the Parisian Opera House in 1896, the opera’s chandelier plummeted from the ceiling due to a short circuit issue. This tragic accident proved fatal for one woman and caused injuries to numerous others.

You may recall in the novel, the phantom orchestrates the fall of the chandelier.

Similarly, Leroux created the character of the Phantom based on a couple of real-life individuals associated with the Palais Garnier.

One source was a pianist who suffered disfigurement during a fire that ravaged the Salle Le Peletier, the predecessor to the Palais Garnier, in 1873. The other story that Leroux drew from was the disappearance of an assistant to Charles Garnier during the construction of the opera house.

So as you can see, bits and pieces of real-life stories were used to generate the haunting presence and enigmatic persona of the Phantom that many of us have come to know and love.

Today, the Phantom of the Opera serves not only as a connection to real-life events of the past but also has immortalized the reputation of the Paris Opera House as one of the most famous and beloved cultural landmarks in the world.

7. Underground Lake Palais Garnier

The last fun fact about the Palais Garnier is that it has an underground lake right beneath the stage! During the excavation of the Palais Garnier in Paris between August and December 1861, an unexpected challenge arose. There was flooding due to the high groundwater level at the site. Despite immense efforts to lower the water level by pumping water out 24/7, not all the water was able to be removed.

To overcome this issue, Charles Garnier devised a brilliant engineering solution—a double foundation. This innovative design included a watercourse and a massive concrete cistern (casing) to oppose the pressure from the external groundwater and serve as a reservoir in case of fire. Think of it as a counterbalance.

And it was this underground lake that inspired a key plot point in Gaston Leroux’s iconic novel, “The Phantom of the Opera.” You’ll recall that Christine and the Phantom use a boat to cross the misty waters of the underground lake, more than once… Unfortunately, you won’t have a chance to see the lake up close. But, when you walk past the main stage, you can *peer into the darkness* underneath with the knowledge that the lake is not too far below

In the event that you haven’t booked housing for your stay in Paris yet, here are some places worth considering staying at. These are places I’ve researched and stayed at during my many trips to Paris! Each place has a high rating and is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk of a metro station!

Hostel Stay

• Check out my review of the hostel here
• The People Paris Marais — nice hostel near Notre Dame | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10

Low-Cost Stay

• Hôtel Vic Eiffel — boutique 3-star hotel with terrace | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• See my full review of this new hotel here

Mid-Range Stay

• Read my honest review of this boutique hotel here
• Chouchou Hotel — Super fun and eclectic 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Luxury Stays

• Hôtel Le Walt Paris — 4-star hotel w/ Eiffel Tower views | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
• InterContinnental Paris Le Grand — 5-star hotel by Opera Garnier | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris — Luxurious 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10

Alternatively, feel free to use the interactive map below to search additional housing options. You can input your specific travel dates and the number of people in your party for even more accurate prices 🙂

Yes, the Paris Opera House is open to the public every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. That said, it occasionally closes when there are daytime performances. The last entry is at 4:15 PM.

No, the Palais Garnier is not free. You can purchase an individual ticket for a self-guided tour here. Or, you can join a guided tour, which gives you an in-depth understanding of the secrets and history of the Opera House!

A Paris Opera House tour can last 1 – 1.5 hours. The one I did was 1.5 hours, and I wish it were longer because there’s so much fascinating history to uncover.

If you purchase just an entry ticket for a self-guided tour , I recommend allotting 1.5 – 2 hours for your Palais Garnier visit. The audio guide, which you can add on-site for €6.5 or ~$7.15 USD, lasts 1.5 hours.

The Palais Garnier was built from 1862 – 1875. It was officially open to the public on January 5th, 1875.

The Palais Garnier is in the 9th arrondissement.

I recommend visiting the Louvre , ascending to the top of the Eiffel Tower and the impressive Arc de Triomphe , partaking in the famous French gastronomic scene , wandering around the streets of Montmartre , and visiting the Musée de l’Orangerie . Oh, and, my favorite day trip is to Monet’s House and Gardens in the charming town of Giverny! But, many love visiting the opulent château that is Versailles 😉

Ultimately, I believe a visit to the Palais Garnier or Paris Opera House is an absolute must for anyone with a passion for breathtaking architecture, uncovering hidden stories, and connecting with the past. Not to mention, this is a chance to witness one of the world’s most famous opera houses up close and personal! Of course, like the city of Paris , the Palais Garnier may not be everyone’s cup of tea. So, whether you decide to visit or not, I hope this post has been insightful and helped you decide whether or not the Paris Opera House is worth visiting for you or not.

✅ 🎭 Click to book your entry ticket for the Palais Garnier or get a bundle ticket for the Opera House & a 1-hour Seine cruise ⛴

Read More About France

• Traveling to along the South of France? Here’s what to know about the gorgeous seaside town of Nice and Monaco, the glamorous principality that’s a just ride away from Nice !
• Fancy venturing to France’s west coast? Discover the affordable yet charming beach town of Biarritz! Here you can expect lots of surf, beautiful coastal views, and fun activities to fill your itinerary !
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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

The Palais Garnier - Paris National Opera

The Palais Garnier is the 13th theater to welcome the Opéra de Paris since its creation in 1669 by King Louis XIV.

Its construction was ordered by Napoleon III as part of his efforts to transform Paris during the Second Empire.

The theater owes its name to Charles Garnier, a then-unknown architect who took over the palace's design and at the age of 35.

The actual building of this iconic theater took place over a period of fiteen years, from 1860 to 1875, and was interrupted a number of times - most especially by the Franco-German War of 1870 and the fall of the First Empire.

It finally opened its doors to the public on January 15, 1875.

The Exterior Façade

Charles Garnier imagined the exterior as being the most emblematic part of his palace.

The decoration and design evokes celebration through its effusive use of shapes and colors, and calls to mind the sacred character of the monument by a fine statuary of Allegories (Harmony, Instrumental Music, the Idyllic, the Cantata, the Drama, Dance, and Lyrical Drama).

In effect, the main façade of the Palais Garnier represents all the celebrated arts waiting just inside its doors.

The Grand Staircase

For Charles Garnier, this staircase constituted the true heart of his theater.

He had a natural talent for playing with dramatic contrasts, creating a 30-meter tall visual beauty that catches the eye of all passing through the theater.

Apollo, Orpheus, and Olympus themselves seem to be calling to each visitor from their paintings.

The Grand Foyer

Garnier conceived the Grand Foyer as a space for spectators to walk around during intermission.

The gallery is decorated with a profusion of sculptures, gildings, peintings, and chandeliers. Garnier's vision was inspired by the main galleries of the most magnificent châteaux of his time. The space is lit up by ten chadeliers, each visible from the Avenue de l'Opéra.

If visitors look up, they can admire Paul Baudry's ceilings.

The Rotonde des Abonnés

This circular vestibule, situated directly underneath the main theater, welcomes visitors arriving by car. The floor is ornately decorated with magnificent marble mosaics.

La Pythonisse can be found in the central axe of the rotunda. In this Greek myth, Pythia, one of Apollo's High Priestesses, enters into a shocking trance to receive her divine visions.

This legendary feature highlights the gravity and the nobility of lyrical art: showing man's destiny.

This Italian-style stage was, at the time of its construction, the biggest in the world: 49 meters long and 26 meters deep (or 1350 square meters) and 72 meters tall.

The Palais Garnier was predestined to be a grand romantic opera with its massive historical frescoes (before the decline of that artistic style).

The theater's capacity (538 seats) bears witness to the enormous stage design of that period.

The Auditorium

Naturally, the heart of the theater.

After having studied other great audiutoriums in Europe, Garnier concluded that a horseshoe shape was the best to accomodate demands in terms of acoustics and visibility.

The original ceiling, painted in 1872 by Eugène Lenepveu, represented the Triomph of Beauty.

In 1960, by the demand of André Malraux (then-Minister of Cultural Affairs), the ceiling was painted over by Marc Chagall, evoking the grand composers of opera in his strange universe.

If the auditorium's gilding and velour seats seem striking today, it was still somewhat tame compared to others at the time.

Palais Garnier - Opéra national de Paris 8 Rue Scribe 75009 Paris

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Opera Garnier Tickets

Opéra Garnier, also called Palais Garnier, is a grand opera house in Paris with 1,979 seats.

Revered as one of the most prestigious Opera and Ballet venues, Opéra Garnier boasts elegance, impressive architecture and a rich history.

With 4,80,000 annual visitors, Opéra Garnier is one of the most visited attractions in Paris.

Visitors can attend the Paris Company’s ballet performances or tour the Opéra Garnier.

It is also famous for being the place that inspired Gaston Leroux’s novel Phantom of the Opera.

Hours: 10 am – 5 pm

Time Needed : 1.5 – 2 hours 

Ticket Cost: €15

Best Time: In the evening

Location : Palais Garnier or Opera Garnier is in the 9th arrondissement at 75009 in Paris, France.

Address: Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris, France Get Directions

Where to Buy Palais Garnier Tickets 

You can buy tickets for Opera Garnier, Paris, online and offline. 

However, it is better to book tickets online in advance.

Why online tickets are better

Buying Palais Garnier tickets online is better for four reasons:

• Usually, online tickets are cheaper than the tickets you buy at the venue. 
• Opera Garnier online tickets also help you save time and avoid the long ticket counter queues. The waiting time offline is 15 to 45 minutes. 
• Booking tickets online in advance guarantees your preferred time slot. 
• Online ticket purchases also allow you to compare and choose the most suitable ticket. 

How do online tickets work

After you have booked your Palais Garnier tickets online , they will be sent to your email immediately. 

You won’t have to carry a ticket printout.

On the day of your visit, you can skip the ticket counter lines, show the e-ticket from your smartphone at the entrance and walk right in. 

Palais Garnier Ticket Price 

The standard admission ticket for Opera Garnier costs €15 for visitors aged 12 years and above. 

Children up to the age of 11 can enter for free. 

Admission is also free for people with disabilities and unemployed persons, upon proof of eligibility. 

Types of Opera Garnier Paris Tickets 

The Opera Garnier entry ticket is the cheapest and most popular way to experience the attraction. 

You can also book a private guided tour to explore the history of Palais Garnier.

A famous experience at the Palais Garnier is the Arsène Lupin mystery game challenge that takes you on an interactive adventure.  

Visitors also prefer buying combos like the Opera Garnier and Seine Cruise Combo or the Saint Chapelle and Opera Garnier Combo to save time and money. 

Paris Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off bus tour is a great way to go around Paris while getting to know the city’s highlights. 

This bus stops at Opera Garnier, so you can get off and explore the attraction easily. 

Opera Garnier Entry Ticket

The skip-the-line ticket is the most popular and affordable for Opera Garnier. 

You get direct admission to the attraction without waiting in queues. 

Once in, you can spend unlimited time at the opera house. 

This ticket is best for visitors who are on a budget and want to explore the Opera Garnier on their own.

Ticket Price 

Adult Ticket (12 years and above): €15

Child Ticket (up to 11 years): Free entry

Palais Garnier Mystery Game with Admission Ticket

This ticket offers a unique way of exploring Palais Garnier. 

Get in the shoes of Arsène Lupin and take part in solving a mystery game inside Opera Garnier. 

Your purchase will also include an admission ticket for the attraction and access to some closed areas. 

This ticket is best for adults and youth who want to add an element of adventure to their Palais Garnier trip. 

Adult Ticket (5 years and above): €28

Student Ticket with ID (5 to 26 years): €25 

Palais Garnier Private Guided Tour

Palais Garnier is a place with a rich history. 

Booking a private guided tour will ensure you don’t miss out on any detail of this magnificent opera house. 

You will learn about the story behind its glamorous design, auditorium and the origin of Phantom of the Opera. 

The tour lasts 90 minutes and is best for visitors seeking an exclusive experience.  

The maximum number of participants allowed on this tour is limited to six.

Participants(Of all ages): €200 

Opera Garnier and Seine River Crusie Tickets Combo

This combo tour lets you access two of Paris’s most renowned cultural attractions. 

First, marvel at the grandeur of the Palais Garnier and then embark on a scenic cruise along the Seine River. 

The audio guide on the boat is in 13 languages, and you can also access it via a smartphone app. 

For this ticket, you only need to select a date and then you can visit these attractions anytime between 10 am and 4 pm. 

This combo ticket is great for tourists and locals alike.

Adult Ticket (12 years and above): €34

Child Ticket (4 to 11 years): €19

Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free entry 

Paris Tootbus Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour 

This ticket provides a versatile option for visiting Paris. 

You can hop on or off at any stop during your bus tour. 

The Paris Tootbus conveniently stops at Opera Garnier, allowing you to get off and explore this attraction. 

An onboard guide offers live commentary on the city’s numerous highlights. 

This bus tour is perfect for travelers exploring Paris.

Note: Access is free for infants up to the age of 3.

Timed Tickets

When you reserve online tickets for the Opera Garnier, you’ll select a specific date and starting time for your visit.

You can only enter the attraction on the selected slot. 

However, it’s worth noting that while the entry time is fixed, you can enjoy an unlimited viewing experience once inside.

FAQs About Garnier Opera House Tickets

How much does it cost to visit opera garnier.

The entry ticket for Opera Garnier costs €15 for visitors aged 12 years and above. Entry is free for children up to the age of 11. 

Is Opera Garnier free to visit?

No, an admission ticket is required to visit the Opera Garnier. Entry is only free for kids up to 11 years and disabled or unemployed people.

How to buy tickets for Opera Garnier?

You can buy tickets for Opera Garnier online or offline. Booking online is recommended since it saves time and money. When you book online, you get a guaranteed slot for your visit. 

Is it worth going inside Palais Garnier?

If you’re interested in great architecture, classical sculptures and ornate designs, you should definitely go inside Palais Garnier. 

You don’t have to sit for a performance to see the opera house. You can simply book a self-guided or guided tour and explore the Opéra Garnier. 

Can you buy Palais Garnier tickets online in advance?

Yes, you can purchase tickets to Palais Garnier online . It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance as you get your preferred slot at a great price.

Do I need to select a specific time slot for my Palais Garnier visit?

Yes, when you book tickets online, you must select a particular time and date for your visit. You can only enter Opéra Garnier on your chosen slot and stay for as long as you want afterward.

What to Expect at Opera Garnier Paris

A visit to the Opera Garnier will be an unforgettable experience. 

With its lavish architecture, this renowned venue, also known as Palais Garnier, is a treat to the eyes. 

The grand marble staircase, elegant chandeliers and intricate ceiling paintings will leave you in awe.  Visitors can expect a beautiful cultural immersion as they attend a ballet at the adorned auditorium.  The excellent acoustics of the place guarantee a feast for both the eyes and the ears. You should definitely check out the fancy hallways, the beautiful Grand Foyer, and the ceiling painted by the famous artist Marc Chagall if you want to understand the place’s history and art.

The grand marble staircase, elegant chandeliers and intricate ceiling paintings will leave you in awe. 

Visitors can expect a beautiful cultural immersion as they attend a ballet at the adorned auditorium. 

The excellent acoustics of the place guarantee a feast for both the eyes and the ears. 

You should definitely check out the fancy hallways, the beautiful Grand Foyer, and the ceiling painted by the famous artist Marc Chagall if you want to understand the place’s history and art.

Best Time to Visit the Palais Garnier 

The best time to visit Palais Garnier is when the evening musical performances happen. 

You must arrive an hour or two before closing time. 

To avoid the crowds, plan your visit on a weekday and get there as soon as Palais Garnier opens.

How long does it take to tour Palais Garnier Paris?

A self-guided tour of Palais Garnier takes an hour. 

If you plan to take a private guided tour, it can take up to 90 minutes. 

Attending an Opera Garnier concert will add 75 minutes to your visit. 

Palais Garnier Reviews

19th-century splendor at its best! The interior is luxurious, from the entrance to the stairway to the ballroom and all the other areas. It is a feast for the eyes! Take your time and drink it all in! Lise S, Charlottesville 

A dreamy place  We booked to visit early in the day and were able to take great photos of the stunning interior before it became too crowded. It is a magical place. Pete_and_June_71, United Kingdom

Palais Garnier Photos 

Known for lavish and elegant architecture, the ballet, and the opera, Palais Garnier is a very famous sight in Paris.

Palais Garnier is a very notable and popular venue in the city, you should absolutely make time to see it. This is not the most busy spot in the city, but it can still see large crowds during peak times and during peak travel season.

What is Palais Garnier?

This grand theatre in the heart of Paris is home to the ballet and opera. While you can enjoy the theatre's gorgeous ambiance at a show, you can also browse the ornate entryway, side rooms, main hall, and seasonal exhibits during the day as the theatre is open to the public when shows are not scheduled. The grand staircase in the main entrance and the exquisite halls will make you feel like royalty. Bring your selfie stick.

Families with children will sometimes enjoy it, but it really depends on their level of interest. Also, couples will love it, as it's very romantic. Definitely check it out if you're on a couple's trip. Budget travelers and backpackers sometimes enjoy visiting, too.

Visiting Palais Garnier

How much does palais garnier cost.

Entry to Palais Garnier costs €15 which includes an audio guide. Various professionally guided tours are available for additional costs.

Do I need a tour for Palais Garnier?

A tour is suggested here, but not required. You can visit on your own if you want to see everything at your own pace. However, tours offer a more in-depth visit on an efficient schedule and are worth the extra price. Tours provide a very detailed overview with a knowledgable guide, so consider one if you want a more knowledgable experience.

Do I need to book in advance?

While booking in advance is not required, it is highly recommended to reserve your spot. Entry tickets cost €15 which includes an audio guide. Various professionally guided tours are available for additional costs. You can book ahead here: Official Website . If you're not interested in going inside, you can see it from the outside for free (as many do). You can just walk by and take photos. Also, many tours around Paris will pass by and give you an overview.

How long does it take to visit Palais Garnier?

A typical visit will last around 2 hours. You'll be indoors here, so it's a good way to escape the weather if you need to.

When is the best time to visit Palais Garnier?

Palais Garnier is busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. It's only possible to visit during the day.

Palais Garnier Opera Metro Station Paris, France

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Home > 15 Fascinating Facts about Palais Garnier (Opera Garnier Facts)

15 Fascinating Facts about Palais Garnier (Opera Garnier Facts)

Visit palais garnier, paris’ opera house.

The Palais Garnier Opera House (Opera Garnier) is one of the most famous buildings in Paris . A visit to the Paris Opera House for a show or a guided tour is one of the best things to do in Paris , so you cannot miss it! The Palais Garnier is located in Paris 9, not far from the Grands Boulevards or Place Vendôme.

The glamorous Opera Garnier was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III as part of his project of reconstruction of Paris. To build the new Paris Opera House, a competition for the best design was conducted in 1860.

The competition winner was Charles Garnier , a young and unknown architect who presented a highly eclectic project borrowing elements from many historical sources.

The Opera Palais Garnier was completed in 1874 and today is considered a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque Architecture and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris. After a short introduction to the Palais Garnier history, how to visit, and what to see, we will tell you the most curious Palais Garnier facts.

The Palais Garnier Opera House is one of Paris’s top sights to visit. We recommend visiting the Opera Garnier Paris in the following itineraries:

• 3 days in Paris itinerary
• 4 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 6 days in Paris itinerary
• 7 days in Paris itinerary

How to Visit the Opera Garnier in Paris

The best way to enjoy Opera Garnier is to attend a performance. The Paris Opera House proposes classical and contemporary ballets. If you want to attend a ballet at Palais Garnier, be sure to add something elegant to your Paris packing list!

GOOD TO KNOW: The Opera Paris has two sites: the Palais Garnier (Paris 9) and the Opera Bastille (Paris 10). The Opera Garnier is mainly used for ballets, while the Opera Bastille is the place to go to attend opera shows.

Take an Opera Garnier Tour

If you don’t plan to attend an opera or ballet during your trip to Paris, it is also possible to visit the Palais Garnier on a self-guided tour (with or without an audio guide) – Click here to book your Opera Garnier tour (self-guided)

Viator proposes an interesting 2-hour architecture walking tour with a guide that visits Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette , two of the city’s most magnificent buildings – Click here to book this Opera Garnier guided tour

If you are fascinated by the Phantom of the Opera , then book the Opera Garnier Mysteries guided tour . In addition to the history and Palais Garnier facts, this Opera Garnier tour puts more emphasis on the Phantom of the Opera story and other mysteries – Click here to book the Opera Garnier Mysteries guided tour

A Peek Inside Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier Opera House is 154.9 meters long, 70.2 meters wide at the lateral galleries, and 101.2 meters wide at the east and west pavilions.

The Garnier Opera House has a 1,979 seating capacity, making it one of the world’s largest opera theaters!

The façade and the interior have no space without decoration and symbolize the opulence of the Second Empire. Charles Garnier, the architect, masterfully combined the colors and textures offered by different kinds of marble and stones, porphyry, gilded bronze, iron framework, and other materials.

If you plan to visit the Opera Garnier on a self-guided or guided tour, these are the three unmissable places inside Palais Garnier:

The Grand Escalier (Grand Staircase)

Opera Garnier’s Grand Escalier consists of a double staircase leading to the foyers of the theatre. Built with marbles of different colors, the Grand Escalier is covered by a magnificent thirty-meter-high vault. The pedestals of the staircase are decorated with female torchères who greet the spectators.

The Auditorium

The Auditorium is the heart of the Opera Garnier, where the performances take place. The theater has a horseshoe shape, so-called for how the seats are arranged to see and be seen. The Auditorium is decorated with marble, stucco, velvet, and gilding.

The Grand Foyer

The  Grand Foyer is a long room 18 meters high, 154 meters long, and 13 meters wide and has spectacular views of the Grand Staircase. This hall had an important role in Paris’ society as it was the perfect place to socialize while drinking champagne during the intermissions.

The Grand Foyer was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors inside the Palace of Versailles , with lots of natural light, gold, and mirrors. The lyre, God Apollo’s symbol, is the main decoration element, and you can find it everywhere in the room. Its ceiling represents various moments in the history of music.

15 Curious Palais Garnier Facts (Opera Garnier Facts)

The Palais Garnier history is very interesting. Amidst the countless anecdotes and legends surrounding its construction and first years, here are 15 facts about Palais Garnier – 15 fascinating things to know about the Garnier Opera House, Paris.

1. The Construction of the Opera Garnier was Inspired by a Tragic Event

The Opera Garnier history starts with a tragic event. In 1858, Emperor Napoleon III and his wife went to the Opera House that was at Rue Le Peletier. Just as the coach was parking, an explosion reached them. The imperial couple escaped unharmed, but eight of their men were killed, and several others were wounded.

After the failed assassination attempt on Napoleon III, the building of a new Opera House was declared in the public’s interest and for the safety of the head of state. The new Opera House was designed to have a private entrance and a special box where the emperor would sit.

2. A Special Request for the Avenue de l’Opéra

Haussmann’s renovation of Paris was a vast public works program commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III to bring air and light to the center of Paris. The Avenue de l’Opéra was not originally part of the plan but a personal request from the Emperor, who wanted a direct way to go to the Opera Garnier from his residence in the Tuileries Palace.

Charles Garnier, thrilled with the idea that such a beautiful avenue could enhance his monument, made an additional request: no trees were planted on this avenue so that nothing could disturb the view of the Opera House. That’s why, even today, the Avenue de l’Opéra has no trees.

3. The Palais Garnier Was a Costly Affair

Though conceived as an opera house, Charles Garnier’s design has all the elements of a princely palace, hence the name ‘ Palais Garnier .’ The construction of the Opera Garnier in Paris involved the country’s best artisans available, carefully selected by Charles Garnier himself, and the finest materials. The budget was estimated at over 20 million gold francs, making the Palais Garnier Paris the most expensive building of its time!

4. The Opera Garnier Served as a Military Camp

This is one of the lesser-known Opera Garnier facts. The Palais Garnier’s foundation stone was laid in 1862, but the work lasted more than 10 years because of budget restrictions, the Franco-Prussian War, and the Paris Commune.

During the Prussian War, the unfinished building was converted into a camp where they stored food and straws.

The construction of the building resumed shortly after the Opera Pelletier was destroyed by fire. The building’s main façade was inaugurated in 1867, but the entire opera house wasn’t opened to the public until 1875.

5. La Danse de Carpeaux Scandal

Charles Garnier considered his building a true work of art, and during the works, the façade was totally masked by scaffolding so as not to betray his artists’ work. To arouse the curiosity of Parisians, Garnier decided to unveil the façade in stages.

In 1869, the carved groups of the facade were discovered. The sculpture representing a group of women joyfully whirling around the Dance Genius ( La Danse de Carpeaux by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux ) caused a scandal. How could Garnier represent naked women (and so real) on a public monument?

On the night of 26 August 1869, a bottle of ink was thrown against the sculpture group.

Today, visitors can see a copy of this sculpture group; the original is displayed at the Orsay Museum.

6. The Palais Garnier is the First Signed Building

The guided tour starts at Rotonde des Abonnées, a circular vestibule that was used to accommodate spectators arriving by coach. This is a space with a rather dark atmosphere. Indeed, Charles Garnier wanted to give the spectator the impression of entering a cave before being dazzled by the Grand Escalier and other features in the theatre.

On the vestibule’s ceiling, you can see Charles Garnier’s signature, and this is the first time in history that an architect puts his signature on a building!

7. An Ungrateful Inauguration

The list of Palais Garnier facts continues with the day of its inauguration. On 5 January 1875, the Opera was officially inaugurated with a lavish performance attended by Marshal MacMahon (the new chief of the French government), the Lord Mayor of London, and King Alfonso XII of Spain.

Napoleon III, exiled in England since 1871, died in 1873 without seeing the achievement of his work.

The new government in France wanted to erase all traces of the Second Empire. Thus, Charles Garnier was not invited to the inauguration and had to pay for his own place to participate in the show. So sad!

8. The Palais Garnier Opera House is Designed to Watch the Spectators

This is one of the most curious facts about Opera Garnier today, but it was nothing strange at the time when the Opera House was built. The Opera Garnier was not just about music but also a show of class, the perfect place to showcase its public.

The Grand Escalier was a triumphal entrance, with the perfect design to see and be seen. The Grand Staircase is in a great open hall, surrounded by balconies over four floors, perfect for observing and admiring the arrival of important guests. The steps are shallow, so when women would go upstairs, their ankles barely showed.

Once in the Auditorium , it is hard to miss the Emperor’s box, not placed in the middle of the hall for a perfect view and acoustic, but rather to the left, beside the front of the stage, visible from almost every seat on the Auditorium.

During the show, the lights remained lit in order to facilitate the popular activity of people-watching.

Finally, the Grand Foyer is the perfect place for socializing during the intermissions. Season ticket holders went to the opera 2-3 times a week, not because there were different performances or were opera fans, but to show off and socialize!

9. Being Surrounded by Banking Institutions Was Very Handy

One of the most interesting Palais Garnier facts is related to its location. The Palais Garnier is located in Paris 9, a district that has always been home to the upper class and many banking institutions.

The perfect chance to be seen by the public, regular opera-goers would arrive with their best dresses and most precious jewels, usually stored in the banks’ coffers near the Garnier Opera House. As soon as the performance was finished, they would quickly return to the bank to safely store their precious jewels.

To be able to welcome their customers leaving the opera, the banks around Opera Garnier opened until late in the evening when there was an opera show.

10. The Opera Garnier Has a Mysterious Resident

The Phantom of the Opera novel, which was written by Gaston Leroux in 1910, is said to have been inspired by a true story event.

The novel tells the story of Erik , an eccentric, physically deformed genius who terrorizes the Opera Garnier in Paris. He builds his home in a fantastic palace in the middle of a subterranean lake, just beneath the Opera, and takes the love of his life, a beautiful soprano named Christine , under his wing.

Real stories and myths are blurred in Gaston Leroux’s novel, and until his very last day, he claimed that the Phantom of the Opera really existed.

For example, at the end of the 19th century, there was a mysterious individual who systematically demanded 20,000 francs every month from the board of directors and reserved every evening box no.5

Another tale is that a pianist known as Ernest was hurt and widowed in the fire that destroyed the Opera Pelletier in 1873. He went to the Opera Garnier for shelter and soon started haunting the corridors with an eerie cry.

Although nobody at Opera Garnier believes the Phantom of the Opera story, the staff won’t hesitate to blame the Phantom when something inexplicable happens …

11. Box Number 5 was (or still is?) the Phantom’s Private Box

One of the most famous facts about Palais Garnier is related to the Auditorium’s box number 5. Box number 5 was the Phantom’s box, and he demanded that every night the box was his alone, not shared with other spectators.

Today, box number 5 is sold out for every performance, and it seems to be a wonderful place to see the opera without being seen. 

12. There Really is an Underground Lake

The Opera’s underground lake where Erik built his palace really exists, but it is not as atmospheric as Gaston Leroux described in his novel The Phantom of the Opera.

One of the reasons why the project took so long to be completed was the presence of a considerable amount of water in the soil. When workers attempted to lay the building’s concrete foundations, a seemingly endless flow of water bubbled up from the swampy, newly cleared ground, and no one could do anything to stem it.

After months of trying to pump out the excess water, Charles Garnier decided to incorporate a cistern into his design to redistribute the water and relieve the water pressure on the basement walls. The cistern, one of the hidden gems of underground Paris , still exists today, and it is used as a reservoir for firefighters in Paris. The lake is also the home of a family of carp.

When we did the guided tour, our guide told us that the tank’s weight also stabilizes the building. Some years ago, the Opera decided to empty the tank to clean it. During the process, the workers received a call from their boss who was in the Auditorium: they had to stop immediately emptying the tank because the building was moving!

Explore Opera Garnier’s Underground Lake with Google Curio-Cité

13. The Legendary Episode of the Fall of the Chandelier Really Happened 

This is one of the most famous chapters of the history of Palais Garnier that Gaston Leroux also used in his novel. During one of The Phantom of the Opera’s most thrilling moments, the Phantom kills an audience member by causing the Grand Chandelier to fall during a performance. The confusing situation allows him to kidnap Christine to his underground palace.

The fall of the chandelier actually mirrors a real accident at the Opera Garnier in 1896, when one of the counterweights of the 7-tonne chandelier fell into the audience and killed one person.

When you visit Opera Garnier, don’t miss looking up in the Auditorium to admire the famous chandelier and the paintings on the ceiling , one of Marc Chagall’s masterworks!

14. The Opera Stage Can Fit the Arc de Triomphe!

One of the fun Opera Garnier facts is the size of the building. The Palais Garnier’s vast stage is the largest in Europe, measuring 52 meters wide by 62 meters high, vast enough to fit the Arc de Triomphe!

Following a concept that already existed in other opera houses in Italy, Charles Garnier added a slight incline to the stage, allowing visitors to have a better view. With such incredible measures, the 5% incline means that the stage is one meter higher at the back than at the front. The ballet artists at the Opéra National de Paris are used to this incline, while it’s harder for other ballet dancers who perform here occasionally.

15. There Really Are Buried Phonographic Recordings

We finish this list of facts about Opera Garnier with the most incredible one. In The Phantom of the Opera novel, Gaston Leroux mentions the burying of phonographic recordings in the Opera Garnier’s cellars. He narrates that while the workmen in charge were preparing the cellar to store the recordings, they found a corpse identified as the Phantom’s.

Actually, this is a historical fact: in 1907, the Gramophone Company sealed 48 gramophone records of the greatest singers of the time in two containers and locked them in the opera house’s cellars, to be opened 100 years later. In 2007, the containers were opened, and the records were digitized by EMI Classics under the name of Les Urnes de l’Opéra . There is no record of finding a corpse, though.

And there you have it, the Palais Garnier history and most curious Opera Garnier facts & myths to make your visit more interesting!

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

Experience Parisian Opera Culture at the Palais Garnier

Things to do in Paris Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier, also known as the Opera Garnier Paris or simply the Paris Opera is an architectural jewel in Paris with a fascinating history and prime status in Paris’s ballet and classical music milieu. An ode to Parisian architecture, the Palais Garnier is an enchanting inspiration for many and undeniably one of the most distinguished and grand opera houses in the world. The Palais Garnier is home to the Paris ballet, so anyone hoping enjoy a Parisian rendition of La Traviata or Mozart's The Magic Flute, you know where to head!

Before you set off to tour the opulent Palais Garnier, here are a few quick things you’d like to know. A brief history of the Palais Garnier, how to get the best Palais Garnier tickets , whether a guided tour or self guided tour works better and other details about the location, timings and how to get there.

Quick Jumplinks to Navigate the Guide

Palais garnier history, palais garnier tickets, inside palais garnier paris, palais garnier tour, self guided tour, expert guided tour.

• All You Need To Know About Visiting Palais Garnier - Hours & Directions

Palais Garnier Visitor Tips

Palais Garnier’s history dates back to 1860, under the auspices of Emperor Napoleon III as a part of civic planner Baron Haussmann’s plan to renovate and transform all of Paris. A contest was organised to attract proposals for the construction of the Palais Garnier. Out of the 171 proposals submitted, Charles Garnier a little-known 35-year-old architect won the comission to build Paris’s Opera House.

Charles Garnier’s winning architectural plan devised mounting a spectacle a within a spectacle, in lieu with Napoleon III ‘s bourgeoisie tastes. The intention was to keep the Palais Garnier as a place for the wealthy and powerful where the rich would aspire to be spotted. This was keeping in mind France’s late 19th century, post-revolutionary, industrialized society. The Palais Garnier is a blend of architectural styles and the freedom endowed on Charles to experiment with a totally atypical dimension allowed this to manifest. In the late 19th century French society, one did not go to the Opera to view the mastery and grace of artists but to show off your wealth and power; to be aroused.

After 15 years of construction plagued by setbacks like the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War and Siege of Paris, the Paris Commune, ultimate fall of France’s second Empire, and an 1873 fire the Palais Garnier was inaugurated on Januray 5, 1875. At the time it opened, Palais Garnier was the world's largest theatre and opera house. The Opera Garnier was part palace, part temple, part administrative center; a space where money was the new king, the new power, the new god.

The Palais Garnier till today remains an iconic symbol of Paris, not just for its magnificent façade and lavish interior, but for the era it represents: a France that had weathered a century of disruption and revolution. Viewed through this lens, Palais Garnier sure feels like a ‘sign’ of its time.

If you're looking for discounted tickets to the Palais Garnier, simply click on the Tickets tab below and book them via Headout. You can opt for a guided tour or simply purchase entry tickets and experience the Opera culture of Paris. A definite must while in the City of Lights!

Self Guided Tour of the Opera Garnier

• The Museum of the Opera • The sun and moon salons • Step over the grand staircase • Access the temporary exhibits of the Opera

Price - €12

Guided Tour of the Opera Garnier

• 90-minute tour of the Opera Garnier with access to the different areas. • English guided tour with official guides allowing a more interactive and educative experience.

This spectacle of this crowning attraction of the Opera-Haussmann neighborhood starts long before the curtain for the ballet rises. Here’s a summary of the emblematic areas at the Palais Garnier and a short glimpse of its elegant interiors.

The Exteriors

The exteriors of Palais Garnier is your coup d'œil into the realm of pomp and refinement that Charles Garnier manifested. Every inch of the building’s facade is a unique harmony between the sculpture, painting and architecture. The building dazzles with its balconies in onyx, golden statues of Apollo, smooth marble pillars, its delicate frescoes and rich gilding. To get the best view of its exteriors, walk further from the front steps to Avenue de l’Opéra till you can consume the whole of Palais Garnier, from top to bottom in all its glory.

Grand Staircase

The Grand Staircase is the first thing that commands your attention upon entrance. It is an exquisite piece of engineering marvel endowed in pink, green and white marble. Charles Garnier said it best when he proclaimed, “The opera is the staircase”. The staircase is flanked by 30 large single piece marble columns. Follow your eyes from the columns to the ceilings and meet the stunning fresco painted by Isidore Pils.A real high point of the visit, this staircase brings undeniable modernity to the building and contributes to making it an outstanding monument.

While you can’t go onto the stage, you can access the auditorium and take in a splendid views of the horseshoe shaped theatre. The Paris Opera stage is the largest in Europe and can accommodate as many as 450 artists. While the auditorium on the whole is overwhelmingly beautiful, the show stealer is the Marc Chagall ceiling and 8-ton chandelier hanging down from it.

Grand Foyer

The Grand Foyer boasts of an 18 meters high, 154 meters long and 13 meters wide hall, covered in gold and gold paint. A space intended to take stroll, take a break and mingle, the foyer is strategically located right outside the highest paying boxes. Amidst the gold and glitter, is an impressive ceiling fresco painted by Paul Baudry. Each of these frescos have some connection to art and music. The central painting is an allegory of Music flanked by smaller paintings in oval frames on either sides, one representing Comedy, the other Tragedy.

Those of you who have been to the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles , may see a resemblance. However, the Grand Foyer is definitely more visually appealing and far less crowded than the Palace of Versailles.

Opera Library-Museum

This well stocked library holds a vast collection of items stockpiled from years even before the Palais Garnier was fully constructed. Artefacts mainly pertain to opera and dance, but you will find a fine collection of , paintings, drawings, sketches, costumes, props and 3D models of stage sets. If you’re interested in knowing about the early years of Opera in Paris, a visit to this Library Museum will take you down the history lane.

If you choose to independently tour the Palais Garnier, we’d suggest going for an audio guided tour. The audio guide will help you learn in depth about the building, with anecdotes, documents and lesser known secrets, enriching your experience better. The audio guide points out features that you may have overlooked if you were to be walking without a guide or the audio device, hence ensuring that you get the best out of the Palais Garnier tour. A few things you should know before going for the Self Guided Audio Tour.

• The audio guide device costs an extra 5 Euros ( over and above the entry fee) but is completely worth the money ( and way cheaper than the guided tour).
• The audio guided tour lasts for 1 hour
• Be sure to have 5-7 Euros in cash for the audio guide as the counter accepts only cash. You are also required to leave an official photo id as a deposit while you buy the headset.
• Note, the basic self guided tour does not give you access to the auditorium.
• The Audio Guide is multilingual and available in French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Self Guided VIP Palais Garnier Tour

This “Behind the curtain” informative tour takes you through areas usually prohibited to the public. One can walk through the Foyer de la Danse, explore the auditorium, inspect Marc Chagall’s ceiling, the paintings in the Grand Foyer, the façade of the Palais Garnier and chart Palais Garnier’s history through the interactive timeline, all at your own pace.

• The VIP audio tour is offered on an iPad mini.
• The costs are higher than the basic tour. 7 Euros for a single person and 12 Euros if two tickets are bought together. This cost is over and above the entrance fee.
• This tour lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes and is available in French, English and Spanish only.

Buy Palais Garnier Self Guided Tour Tickets and save €5 on your first booking with Headout when you use promo code GOPARIS

These expert guides on guided tours unveil mysteries and give keen insights into the culture and history that led to the construction of the Opera Garnier Paris and are always more than happy to answer your doubts and queries. The guided tour even involves a 20 minute session in the auditorium where you will be seated while listening to stories about the ballet artists, elaborate decorations, French society elites who used to attend the Opera, design of the auditorium etc. Listen out for tales of Phantom of Opera in particular on the guided tour. Peering into his opera box is an all time highlight of the guided tour!.

• There are daily expert English guided Palais Garnier Tours which departs at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM.
• The guided tour takes about 90 minutes and gives you access to all parts of Opera Garnier - the auditorium, gilded balconies, even up close the stage ( the self audio guided tour lacks access to the auditorium ).
• If the tour group size is big, you will be given headsets in order to listen to the guide clearly.
• Palais Garnier Guided tours in other foreign languages are available and details for its timings and departure can be checked on the official website.

Buy Palais Garnier Expert Guided Tour Tickets and save €5 on your first booking with Headout when you use promo code GOPARIS

All You Need To Know About Visiting Palais Garnier

Palais garnier hours.

• The Palais Garnier is open all days of the week - From September 10th to July 15th - 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM - From July 15th to September 10th - 10:00 AM to 5.30 PM • The Palais Garnier remains closed on January 1st and May 1st • The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the said day's closing time

Getting to Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier is on the corner of Rue Scribe & Rue Auber.

• By Metro - The closest Métro station is Opéra, which you can reach via Lines 3 (pea-green on the official RATP Métro map), 7 (pink), and 8 (lavender).
• By RER - If you're traveling by RER, the nearest RER stop is Auber on Line A.
• By Bus - Routes 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 52, 53, 66, 68, 81 and 95 stop a short walk away from the Paris Opera.
• You can take a Palais Garnier Tour for free on the 1st Sunday of each month. Note, this also happens to be the most crowded day of the month!
• English tours are on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM. In July and August, English tours run every day at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
• If you have the Paris Pass, you can take a free English speaking tour on a first-come-first serve either at 11:00 AM or 2:30 PM.
• Since the ticket counter selling tickets for tours and theatre is combined, the lines can be slow moving. For quick entry, we’d suggest purchasing tickets for both tours and theatre online in advance. If this is a last minute plan and you are unable to buy tickets online, there is an automated ticket machines which can help you gain entry quicker.
• Admission to the auditorium may be restricted or forbidden at times for technical or artistic reasons. If you want guaranteed access to the auditorium, opting for the first tour in the morning is suggested. That way, you can avoid any potential rehearsal conflicts.
• For a sedate independent tour of the Palais Garnier, keep aside 2 hours of your day. This is including the stringent security check which will take about 30 minutes on a crowded day.
• If you're interested in seeing an Opera show, you can pre-book your tickets here . Try timing your visit such that you can squeeze in a tour and an opera show.
• The Palais Garnier roof has a honey bee hive and over 300 kgs of honey is harvested every year. You can pick up a tiny bottle from the gift shop as you exit. No better souvenir, we say!

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Visit The Palais Garnier

Almost 150 years old and classified as a historical monument since 1923, discover a dazzling and unrivaled place, in the very center of Paris: the Palais Garnier.

Discover a unique and prestigious place in the heart of Paris

Discover a unique and prestigious place in the heart of paris: the palais garnier. several visits are to be discovered: intermezzo visit to the palais garnier: through the rooms of the opera accessible to the public, discover the extraordinary history of the palais garnier, a monument of architecture and a total work of art. visit palais garnier in the belle epoque: go back in time with charles garnier, experience the atmosphere of the temple of social life in the 19th century, let yourself be transported and join the dance visit the mysteries of the palais garnier (after closing):   discover all the secrets of the paris opera in this visit outside opening hours to the general public. in a cozy atmosphere discover or rediscover a timeless place.  .

Intermezzo visit to the Palais Garnier

The Mysteries of the Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier in the Belle Epoque

Saut de Chat à l'Opéra (6-12 ans)

The palais garnier: a hymn to magic.

Initiated by Napoleon III after an attempted attack and inaugurated in January 1875, it was after 15 years of work carried out by Charles Garnier, an architect unknown at the time, that the Palais Garnier was born. Today, this building, also called Opéra Garnier is one of the most emblematic monuments of the 9th arrondissement.

Spread over an area of 11,000 m², this eclectic style building will charm you with its many influences: Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles...

Enter the largest opera house in France and enjoy its famous  grand staircase, the Bassin de la Pythie or its sumptuous grand foyer and lounges.

See all tours in Île de France

See all culture tours, individual rates & information, group rates, click here., adult  , 23.00 €, 16.50 €, reduced price*, 10.00 €, less than 10 years old, 26.00 €, single price visit after closing, doors open at 10 a.m. due to vigipirate checks, please arrive 30 minutes before your visit time. luggage is not accepted on site and no lockers are available for security reasons. guided tours will take place with a maximum of 30 visitors per guide. due to the cultural programming of the opera, access to the performance hall cannot be guaranteed., free for children under 4 and accompanying people with disabilities. * under 25, people with disabilities, seniors (+65), job seekers, students, explore the opéra garnier with your students on one of our guided tours, cycle 1 school tour :.

Designed for kindergarten pupils aged 3 to 6, this Cycle 1 school visit will enable your pupils to discover the Palais Garnier through a rich sensory experience, placing observation at the heart of the visit.  They'll learn to use language, and will be encouraged to put their emotions, feelings and impressions into words. Role-playing activities will enable them to learn and discover through the major concepts they are learning at school: shapes, colors and the senses. 

Length of tour: 1 h 30 

Public: Nursery school children (ages 3 to 6) 

Cycle 2 School Tour : 

At the age when learning to read is just beginning, introduce your students to music by explaining that, like a book, music can be read, played and told in spellbinding stories. Through this captivating experience, your students will explore the fascinating world of art, broadening their artistic horizons and stimulating their imagination. Introduce your students to the world of opera and its rich vocabulary: ballet, auditorium, stage, orchestra pit, opera singers and much more. In addition to its spectacular architecture, explore the Palais Garnier's pictorial and sculptural works, which enrich the timeless art of opera.

Length of tour: 1 h 30

Public: First, second and third grade classes

Cycle 3 School Tour : 

Explore the many areas of artistic expression with your pupils on our cycle 3 school visit. Discover the eclecticism of the arts and allegorical representations that will arouse their curiosity and enrich their understanding of the artistic world. During this exciting excursion, your pupils will be introduced to the allegorical representations of music and opera, from the inspirational muses to the symbolic caryatids of Tragedy and Comedy. 

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Second Empire and the background to the construction of the architectural masterpiece that is the Palais Garnier. Explore the spellbinding myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, represented in the Grand Escalier. Discover also the legend of Apollo and Hermes, who gave birth to the lyre, the timeless symbol of music. As well as nourishing their minds with history and mythology, your students will understand the basic concepts inherent in each form of artistic expression, from the organisation of space through architecture to the expression of feelings through music.

Length of visit : 1 h 30

Public : Late primary school and early secondary school classes

For any reservation requests for a school visit,

please contact our reservations department:

How to get to the Palais Garnier?

Address palais garnier 1 rue auber 75009 paris access metro: opera / chaussée d'antin (l3 / l7 / l8) rer: auber bus: 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 52, 53, 66, 68, 81, 95 parking: haussmann galeries lafayette 75009 paris  , for further....

The Arop, Association for the Outreach of the National Opera of Paris, offers you unique private tours of the Palais Garnier. The latter reveals its most secret places to you, such as the "Lac de l'Opéra", the   sewing workshops or the mysterious "castans room".

The funds collected through the sale of backstage tours are used to finance the activities of the Opéra national de Paris: shows, tours, educational projects, or even the purchase of equipment for the workshops.

Find all the information by clicking here or by downloading the brochure here

And discover the Arop here: https://arop.operadeparis.fr/