In 1860, Emperor Napoléon III decided to build a grand theater in Paris, exclusively dedicated to French opera and dance. Two turbulent centuries passed, during which the theater was destroyed by fire twice and changed names numerous times to shake off its royal association. Lully was appointed Director of the Académie Royale de Musique which performed in the Palais Royal in Paris. Louis XIV commissioned Jean-Baptiste Lully, the Italian-born French composer, to transform opera into a French art. It perfectly matched his interest, since he was passionate about music and dance and fond of opulence. Soon after a new musical storytelling concept originated in Italy during the Renaissance, the Sun King Louis XIV, who lived in the Palace of Versailles, brought it to France. Short history of the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris

When will you visit the Paris Opera House?.

Attending a performance at the Opera House in Paris.

Visiting the Garnier Opera House with kids.

Short history of the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris.

Anyone who loves 19th-century design, arts and culture, and lots of shiny things should add this to their dance card. So when you get down to it, who do you think it's best for? The 14 euro admission fee draws only one type of person: tourists.Īnything we should know before planning a visit?īe warned: Experiencing the gilt and glamour of a bygone Paris might make you want to consider a move to the City of Lights-or at least get opera tickets. If you prefer to move at your own pace, there's also a good self-guided audio tour. So what is the best way to see the whole of the Palais Garnier?Įven if you aren't committing to a show here-which we highly recommend-the public tours are an unmissable experience and worth every penny.

The building's opulence is a humbling, stunning testament to this city's centuries-long commitment to the arts.

Admission costs about 14 euros, but it's well worth it-walking through these public spaces is like walking into the Paris of the past. Inside, make sure to channel your best 'Phantom of the Opera' moment on the iconic lobby's Grand Staircase, a triumph of decadent Parisian design. The facade is covered with ornamentation and busts, as well as l'Harmonie and La Poésie, the two gilded copper statues flanking the entrance from on high. The pinnacle of Napoleon III architecture, the resplendent Palais Garnier opera house is opulent from every angle. What's the history behind the Paris opera house?

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