Opéra de Lyon

Overview

The Opéra de Lyon is a striking architectural hybrid — a completely modern glass-and-steel barrel vault by Jean Nouvel sits atop the preserved 19th-century neoclassical facade. The result is one of France's most visually arresting opera houses and a symbol of Lyon's bold approach to urbanism.

Highlights

• Nouvel's Dome: The enormous semi-cylindrical glass roof adds six visible stories of rehearsal spaces and a rooftop restaurant above the original building.
• The Auditorium: An intimate 1,100-seat hall renowned for its excellent acoustics, hosting opera, ballet, and orchestral performances.
• Facade Contrast: The juxtaposition of the original eight stone muses on the classical facade against the sleek modern superstructure is unforgettable.

History

The original 1831 opera house by architects Chenavard and Pollet was completely gutted and rebuilt between 1985 and 1993 by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, who kept only the four exterior walls and the foyer ceiling. The new building tripled the internal space.

Visitor Tips

• Performance Tickets: Seats start from around €15 for opera and ballet — excellent value compared to Paris or Milan.
• Architecture Tours: Guided backstage visits are offered periodically; check the opera's website.
• Duration: Performance-dependent; architecture viewing takes 15–20 minutes.