On Place de l’Opéra in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, Palais Garnier is a 19th-century opera house designed by Charles Garnier and opened in 1875. You can tour its public rooms without attending a performance. Look for the sweeping white-marble Grand Staircase, the gilded Grand Foyer and the auditorium, where Marc Chagall’s ceiling painting hangs above the chandelier. The ornate exterior, with its columns, sculptures and busts, is worth seeing too. Opera and ballet performances still take place here.
Built for the Paris Opera
Emperor Napoleon III commissioned the opera house as part of the reconstruction of Paris led by Georges-Eugène, Baron Haussmann. Architect Charles Garnier designed the building, which was constructed from 1861 to 1875 and opened in 1875. It became known as Palais Garnier, after its architect.
The exterior is covered in sculptural and architectural detail. Columns and busts line the façade, while gilded copper figures representing Harmony and Poetry stand above the entrance. Garnier’s design combines Beaux-Arts symmetry with Baroque and Renaissance elements, using materials including marble and gilded bronze.
The staircase, foyer and auditorium
The Grand Staircase is one of the building’s most recognisable interior spaces. White marble steps rise between columns and sculpted details, leading visitors into the opera house’s public rooms. The Grand Foyer is decorated with gilding and mosaics, with mirrors and ornament that recall the formal interiors of the 19th century.
Inside the auditorium, red velvet seats sit beneath a large chandelier. The ceiling painting by Marc Chagall was unveiled in 1964, bringing a modern work of art into Garnier’s ornate 19th-century interior. The auditorium was designed for a large audience and remains a setting for performances.
Tours and performances
You can visit the public areas on a self-guided tour or join a guided tour. An audio guide is another option for exploring at your own pace; official tickets that include one are suggested for visitors who want commentary as they go. Guided tours have been described as lasting 90 minutes, and English-language tours are available.
Palais Garnier is still a performance venue, with opera and ballet among the productions held there. The building is also linked to Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera, whose setting was inspired by the opera house. If you plan to attend a performance, book ahead; a daytime tour lets you see the architecture without a show ticket.
FAQ
Can you visit Palais Garnier without seeing a performance?
Yes. You can explore the public areas on a self-guided or guided tour without attending an opera or ballet.
How long does a Palais Garnier visit take?
A guided tour has been described as lasting 90 minutes. Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a typical visit.
What should you see inside Palais Garnier?
Look for the Grand Staircase, the gilded Grand Foyer and the auditorium with its chandelier and Marc Chagall ceiling painting.
Is an audio guide available?
An audio guide is available for self-guided visits. Official tickets that include one are suggested for visitors who want commentary as they explore.
