Palais Garnier

Overview

The Palais Garnier is widely considered the most famous opera house in the world. It is an overwhelming, intoxicating masterpiece of Napoleon III architecture, characterized by its unapologetic, glittering opulence and sweeping grand staircases.

Highlights

• The Grand Staircase: A stunning, sweeping double staircase built from multi-colored marble, designed to be the ultimate place to 'see and be seen'.
• The Auditorium: A spectacular red and gold horseshoe wrapped around the stage, famously crowned by a massive, colorful ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964.
• The Grand Foyer: A sprawling, gilded, mirror-lined hall designed to rival the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

History

Commissioned in 1861 as part of the massive Haussmann renovation of Paris, it was designed by a relatively unknown young architect named Charles Garnier. Its subterranean lake, built to stabilize the foundation, famously inspired Gaston Leroux's classic novel The Phantom of the Opera.

Visitor Tips

• Tickets: While seeing a ballet is recommended, self-guided daytime tours are very popular and offer full access to the public spaces.
• The Phantom: Look closely at the auditorium doors; box number 5 is permanently reserved for the Phantom.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours for a self-guided tour.