The Garnier Palace, commonly known as Opera Garnier is located in the IX arrondissement of Paris.
It is considered an architectural masterpiece of its century and a magnificent example of neo-baroque style.
Before the construction of the Opera Bastille, the Opera Garnier was known as the Opera of Paris. Napoleone III approved the project of the baron Haussmann in 1858 aiming to create a monumental building.
The contest for the construction of the building was won by Charles Garnier and more than 170 architects had applied.
The first stone was laid on 1861. The construction of the Opera was stopped several times due to different events (like the French-Prussian war) and it was terminated in 1874.

The inauguration took place on the 5 January 1875 in presence of many famous people of that time like the president Mac Mahon, the mayor of London and the Spanish royal family.
In occasion of the inauguration of the theatre some parts of the Huguenots of Meyerbeer were performed.
The Opera garnier occupies a total surface of 11000 m2 and can welcome more than 400 artists. The external facades are richly decorated with fine marbles, columns and sumptuous statues.
The interior is also highly decorated with golden statues, marbles, velvet, paintings and sculptures.


Useful information


Address:
Place de l'Opéra
75009 Paris

Tel. : 01.40.01.22.63

Access:
Opéra
Chaussée D'Antin - La Fayette

Hours:
Everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


For more information:
www.operadeparis.fr