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Palais Garnier (The Opéra Garnier Grand Hall) Overview

Discover the opulence of Palais Garnier, a stunning opera house in Paris, France. Admire its lavish architecture, adorned with ornate details and a dazzling chandelier. Uncover the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark, which has hosted countless world-class performances since its inauguration in 1875. A must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the grandeur and artistic heritage of Palais Garnier in Paris.

Step into the world of grandeur and artistic excellence at Palais Garnier, a legendary opera house in Paris, France. Enhanced by a trip to Europe, Admire its opulent architecture, featuring intricate details, elegant sculptures, and a breathtaking chandelier that dazzles the audience. Uncover the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark, which has witnessed the premieres of famous operas and ballets since its inauguration in 1875.

Palais Garnier stands as a symbol of Parisian cultural heritage, attracting art enthusiasts, history lovers, and architecture admirers from around the world. Whether you attend a world-class performance or take a guided tour of its opulent interiors, this opera house promises an unforgettable experience, where artistry and elegance come together to create an enchanting ambiance that captivates visitors.

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Highlights

• Adore the Beaux-Arts architectural designs of the opera house and admire the remarkable sculptures and paintings.
• Stroll through the Member’s Rotunda and catch a glimpse of the Prophetess Pythia located beside the Grand Escalier.
• Dive deeper into the history and culture of the Palais Garnier and get to know about all the interesting stories related to it.
• Watch the greatest theatrical and operatic performances in the world with your friends and family in the Palais Garnier.
• Catch a glimpse of the giant chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the Palais Garnier made up of 8 tonnes of bronze and crystal.
• Observe the elaborate statues, carvings, sculptures, and every single element of the architectural marvel in the Palais Garnier.  
• Explore the collections from the history of the theater at the Library-Museum of the Opera that have been preserved for about three centuries.Must Read: Best Things to Do In VersaillesAlso Checkout : Best Places to Visit Paris at Night

How To Reach

Palais Garnier is situated at the edge of Rue Auber and Rue Scribe. 

By RER – If your preferred choice of transport is RER, you need to board off at Auber RER stop on Line A. 

By Bus –If you are planning to visit the Palais Garnier by bus, you can either opt for Routes – 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 52, 53, 66, 68, 81, and 95. 

By Metro – If the metro is your preferred option, Opera metro station is the nearest point for you. You can either take Line 3 or Line 7 or Line 8 to reach your final destination.

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Best Time To Visit

The Palais Garnier usually remains open on all 7 days of the week. If you are planning to visit the place anytime between the 10th of September to the 15th of July, you can walk in between 10:00 am to 04:30 pm. For those who are planning to visit between the 16th of July to 10th of September, visiting hours are fixed at 10:00 am in the morning and 05:00 pm in the evening. 

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Other Essential Information

Location –  Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, France

Timings – The Palais Garnier usually remains open on all 7 days of the week. If you are planning to visit the place anytime between the 10th of September to the 15th of July, you can walk in between 10:00 am to 04:30 pm. For those who are planning to visit between the 16th of July to 10th of September, visiting hours are fixed at 10:00 am in the morning and 05:00 pm in the evening. 

Please note – The premises of the Palais Garnier remain closed on the 1st of January as well as May. Also, it is advisable to reach you destination at least 30 minutes before its closing time. 

Price –  Ticket prices for various age groups are as follows – 

Adults - €12 per head entry 

Young visitors (below 25 years) and students - €8 per head entry 

Small Children (below 12 years) – free admission. 

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Interesting Facts about Palais Garnier 

Here are some fun facts about the grand Palais Garnier – 

1) The palace is alternatively known as the Opera Garnier or Opera de Paris. 

2) Once in a while, it was a primary residential address of the Paris Opera and its associated ballet. 

3) This place symbolizes the pristine Second Empire. 

4) The commissioning of theatre is attributed to Emperor Napoleon III. 

5) There was an international competition organized for its construction. Amongst the rest 171 participants, Charles Garnier was acknowledged to be the winner of the competition. 

6) It was officially inaugurated on the 05th of January in the year 1875. To mark its grand opening ceremony, there was a lavish gala performance organized which was attended by the Lord Mayor of London. 

7) The building exhibits a seating capacity of 1979 heads at one go. This crowns it as one of the largest theatres in the world. 

8) The principal façade of the Palais Garnier is located to the South of the main building. 

9) Pavillon de l’Empereur homes to around 600,000 documents inclusive of 1680 periodicals, 100,000 books, 100,000 photographs, and 10,000 programs. 

10) The grand staircase of this palace is considered to be one of the most striking features of the interiors of this mansion. 

11) The auditorium of this palace has been explicitly carved to represent a traditional Italian horseshoe shape where the central stage can accommodate as many as 450 artists at one go. 

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Places to Eat near Palais Garnier

1) Café de la Paix - 

Opened in the year 1862, this place offers a luxurious dining facility. With the availability of seasonal foods, you get to see a change in their menu. But be prepared to taste some rich flavors of Paris here. The restaurant remains open from 12:00 pm until 03:00 pm and after that from 06:00 pm until 11:30 pm. 

2) L'Entracte Opéra - 

This is one of the most favored dining options amongst the wanderers of Paris. The classics of wine cellar décor and elegant Parisian brasserie imparts an overall lounge-style look to this place. Frog legs, homemade tartare, various salad options, sandwiches, soups are their prime servings. 

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Places to Stay near Palais Garnier

1) Mercure Paris Opéra Garnier Hôtel & Spa – 

This hotel is located in the heart of Paris and just a few minutes walk away from the Opera Garnier. There are around 139 fully air-conditioned rooms here equipped with all essential amenities. Besides, the hotel also features a natural light fitness room, inner courtyard, vertical garden, thermal spa center, and a fitness center for the complete comfort of all their guests. 

2) InterContinental Paris - Le Grand – 

InterContinental Paris – Le Grand features Napoleon III-style rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV connectivity. Some of them have opera house views, while others have 4 poster beds. The club level rooms here guide you through the lounge where you can try some of their delicious appetizers. 

3) Hôtel Ritz Paris - 

Hotel Ritz Paris offers spacious rooms, suites, and prestige suites for all their guests. Every single type of accommodation here overlooks the rooftops of the City of Light. Suites are exceptionally tailored apartments that are equipped with a private terrace to give you the bliss of a bucolic view.

The sumptuous setting of the restaurant and bar here offers a perfect ambiance to sit down with your friends, families, and relatives and enjoy a piece of an utterly delicious meal. 

4) Hilton Paris Opera - 

Experience the classic Parisian style accommodation at the Hilton Paris Opera. This hotel is known to offer stylish rooms and suites, first-class amenities both for business and recreation, some fabulous dining options. The restaurant here captures and serves some explicit flavors and essence of Paris.

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Traveler's Tips before Visiting Palais Garnier

1) If you are standing in the Paris historical center, getting to the Palais Garnier on foot is quite more comfortable. In case you are planning to reach here by metro, board either 3 or 7 or 8 to get to the Opera. A taxi ride is always one of the most convenient trips to reach here. 

2) As it is a working theatre, it is always advisable to check for its schedule on its official website before planning to reach here. 

3) You are allowed to carry your cameras inside; however, make sure that you do not click flash pictures here. Also, you won't be allowed to take your tripods or camera sticks within. 

4) While you are exploring the Palais Garnier, it is advisable to avoid touching the walls of the plaza. As they are delicately carved, a small touch could quickly destroy its creativity and excellence. 

5) Make sure that you do not forget to carry your ID card. There are various discounts available for the students and the senior citizens. 

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Point of Interest for Palais Garnier (The Opéra Garnier Grand Hall)
Opera Show
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Opera Show

The Palais Garnier is home to the world-renowned Palais Opera, which hosts the Opera Show by famous and talented performers. This venue offers all types of performances, like opera, ballet, or concert, and makes your night in Paris worth remembering. Tourists from different parts of the world visit this place to witness the remarkable theatrical opera performances

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Bassin De La Pythie & Grand Escalier
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Bassin De La Pythie & Grand Escalier

The Bassin de La Pythie connects to the Grand Escalier with a splendid 30 meters high vault. Constructed with marble of a variety of colors, it houses the double staircase that makes its way to the foyers and plenty of other floors at the theater. On your way down the stairs, you will find an authentic theater within the theater while the two female allegories greet the audience with torches.

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The Auditorium
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The Auditorium

The Auditorium in the Palais Garnier is designed just like a traditional Italian theater. This horseshoe-shaped French auditorium is made up of a metallic structure embellished with marble, velvet, stucco, and gliding. You will also find a bronze and crystal chandelier with 340 lights in the auditorium weighing 8 tons.

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Salon Du Glacier
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Salon Du Glacier

The Salon Du Glacier was opened immediately after the construction of the Palais Garnier was completed. It is a fresh and bright rotunda with a ceiling showcasing the art of dancing bacchantes and fauna, along with tapestries displaying different activities like fishing and hunting. This salon is situated at the end of the long gallery in the Palais Garnier.

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Library-Museum Of The Opera
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Library-Museum Of The Opera

The Library-Museum of the Opera consists of collections from the history of the theater that have been preserved for three centuries. These collections include drawings, paintings, photographs, and set models. When the empire started falling, the construction of the premises did not complete, and the remains of the massive stone blocks can still be found in the library museum.  

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Stage Flytower
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Stage Flytower

The Stage Flytower is the apex of the sculptural group called Apollo, Poetry, and Music. In the Stage Flytower, you will find the great works of Aimé Millet and the two compact-size bronze Pegasus figures on either side of the south gable. Each of these sculptures is created by Eugéne-Louis Lequesne.

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Grand Staircase
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Grand Staircase

The Palais Garnier houses a Grand Staircase made up of white marble with a balustrade of green and red marble. Moving further, this ceremonial staircase gets divided into two different stairs that make the way to the Grand Foyer. Inspired by Victor Louis’s grand staircase, the pedestals of the Grand Staircase are embellished with female torchères.

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Grand Foyer
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Grand Foyer

The Grand Foyer in the Palais Garnier is a giant hall that was initially constructed to serve as a drawing room for Paris society. Painted by Paul-Jacques-Aimé, the ceiling of this hall portrays various moments from the history of music. This foyer opens to an exterior loggia bounded by two octagonal salons with ceilings.

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Palais Garnier (The Opéra Garnier Grand Hall) FAQs

Why is the Palais Garnier famous?

The Palais Garnier is the most famous opera house in the world and one of the most impressive landmarks in Paris. It is renowned for its eclectic designs and extravagant interiors. There is a chandelier that hangs from the ceiling of the Opera Garnier.

This chandelier is a colossal structure staggering 7 tonnes pure bronze and studded to give a crystal appearance. Besides, the façade of the Opera Garnier reflects a perfect blend of classicism and eccentricity.

What time does Palais Garnier open?

The Palais Garnier remains open between 10:00 am in the morning to 05:00 pm in the evening. During the period between mid-July and early September, the place stays open until 06:00 pm in the evening.

 The doors will be closed for entry precisely 30 minutes before its official closure timings. Visitors need to pay attention to the fact that while the performances are going on, the entry doors will remain closed.

Can you go to the Paris Opera House?

Yes, you can get into the Paris Opera House only when the auditorium remains open. You guided tour will be for a 90 minutes duration, which will give you easy access to all the parts of the Opera House -gilded balconies, auditorium, and even the stage.

Who built the Palais Garnier?

The Palais Opera was built by a young French artist, Charles Garnier at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III. The construction of the opera house started in 1861 and was launched with a remarkable orchestral concert on January 5, 1875.

How old is the Opera Garnier?

The Opera Garnier is about 161 years old as it was originally constructed from 1861 to 1875 by Charles Garnier. 

What is special about the Palais Garnier?

Designed by the architect Charles Garnier in 1875, Palais Garnier is special for its prestigious auditorium, museum library, grand foyer, salons, Rotonde des abonnés, several workshops, and rehearsal studios. People are attracted to this iconic monument to witness one of the most splendid opera performances in the entire world. You will also be astonished to see its decoration that resembles the beauty of a king’s castle. The highlight of the Palais Garnier is the luxurious staircase that is made of 30 different kinds of marble from eight different countries. All these things make the attraction so special that you must visit it once in a lifetime.

Is Palais Garnier worth visiting?

Yes, Palais Garnier is an attraction totally worth visiting. It is an architectural treasure that meets your high expectations with its classic Italian designs. Watching opera performances here is indeed a unique experience in itself. No matter how high your standards are, visiting the Palais Garnier will never disappoint you with its grand structures and engaging activities. 

How long does it take to tour the Palais Garnier?

It takes you only about 90 minutes to two hours to tour the Palais Garnier. You can access all the parts of the attraction within this time frame, including the auditorium, the stages, and the gilded balconies. If you include an audio tour in your Palais Garnier tickets, you can explore the attraction for as long as you like. 

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