The Palais Garnier, an architectural masterpiece inaugurated in 1875 at the request of Napoleon III, is without doubt one of the most dazzling monuments in Paris. A world of elegance, not to be missed!
To visit the Palais Garnier is to enter a realm of pomp and refinement in which the poetry, audacity and genius of Charles Garnier have managed to create a unique harmony between the sculpture, painting and architecture.
A showcase for dance and opera, the building dazzles with its balconies in onyx, its luxurious marble, its delicate frescoes and its rich gilding. A real gem in the heart of Paris.
From the monumental staircase to the majestic Grand Salon, each room of the Palais Garnier is full of elegant details that compose a magical decor. An architectural symphony, created by using several styles. And an architectural ‘first’ at the time, it was to inspire other buildings, making it an exceptional monument!
The visitor will enjoy taking in the opulence and history of the Palais Garnier. The decor includes busts of famous names from the world of opera, as well as mythological figures, allegorical sculptures and unexpected motifs like the salamander, the owl or the bat. A fabulous atmosphere permeates the building.
This is also the opportunity to set off on the trail of one of Paris’s most popular legendary characters: the famous Phantom of the Opera! Guided by two gigantic caryatids, visitors are taken to see the theatre boxes on the 1st floor. The one that belonged to Gaston Leroux is number 5 …
As for the ceiling of the theatre, it boasts a 220 m² monumental painting by the artist Marc Chagall! The fresco’s modern and contemporary look is a striking contrast to the red and gold of the auditorium below. A real high point of the visit, this auditorium brings undeniable modernity to the building and contributes to making it an outstanding monument.
A visit to the Palais Garnier can be undertaken independently or with a guide. Multimedia audio guides (on smartphone or iPad) are available to the public to learn more about the building and unravel its secrets. Ideal for exploring the opera house in greater depth: anecdotes, details and documents from the era make a visit even more enriching and provide a better appreciation of the exceptional scale of this lavish ‘palace’.
A multimedia guide for children is on sale at €6.50. The one-hour tour, with games (quizzes), is available on iPad, in French, English and Spanish. The little ballerina Zoé guides children aged 6 to 13 (age range recommended) along the way.
The Cultival agency offers an immersive investigative tour in the heart of the Palais Garnier. Follow in the footsteps of Arsène Lupin and try to solve the mystery surrounding Count Cagliostro.
An immersive experience in the heart of the Palais Garnier
After exploring the splendour of the Palais Garnier, let yourself be charmed by an elegant stroll to Parc Monceau, strolling along the grand boulevards with their Haussmann-style architecture.
This is the perfect stroll to round off your visit and fully savour the refined atmosphere of this Parisian neighbourhood.
The full price for a self-guided tour of the Opéra Garnier with the multimedia guide is €15. There are also guided tours for €23 (during the day) and €26 (after closing time as a mystery tour).
The Opéra Garnier regularly participates in the event Tous à l'Opéra !, a weekend of festivities during which French opera houses are open to the public free of charge. The event takes place every year in May.
Self-guided tours are free for children under 12, people with disabilities and their carers, job seekers and social assistance recipients, holders of the Pass' Jeunes Opéra Pass, the Young Opera Subscriber card, the AROP Individual Member card, the Culture card issued by the Ministry of Culture, the professional tour guide card, etc.
It is possible to visit behind the scenes of the Opéra Garnier during a themed guided tour
The visit lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
The CoCo restaurant is open every day from noon to 2am (last order at 11 p.m.). The entrance is located at 1, place Jacques Rouché, Paris 9th arrondissement. Reservations can be made by calling +33 (0) 1 42 68 86 80.
In addition, 45 minutes before each performance and during the intermissions, bars offer drinks and light refreshments.
You can buy books, CDs, DVDs and accessories related to the world of opera and dance. The Palais Garnier bookshop is open every day from 10.30am to 6pm and until the start of performances on evenings when there is a show. Contact the Palais Garnier bookshop and gift shop on +33 (0) 1 53 43 03 97 or by email at [email protected]
