The Palais Garnier, in Paris's 9th arrondissement, is the opulent Napoléon III-style opera house designed by architect Charles Garnier and opened in 1875, famous for its marble Grand Staircase, gilded Grand Foyer and the ceiling painted by Marc Chagall. Since the Opéra Bastille opened in 1989 it has served mainly as the home of the Paris Opera Ballet and as a major heritage attraction. Its 150th anniversary (opened 1875) is being marked with commemorative programming that continues into 2026, including a special exhibition on decorating costumes (roughly April–September 2026). A major stage renovation is scheduled for summer 2027 to summer 2029, so 2026 visits run normally—but auditorium access (and the Chagall ceiling) can be closed at short notice for rehearsals, making advance online booking essential.
The monumental Grand Staircase in white marble with red-and-green balustrades—the theatre's iconic first impression
The 54-metre gilded Grand Foyer, a mirror-and-chandelier gallery evoking the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles
Marc Chagall's 1964 painted ceiling and the seven-tonne bronze-and-crystal chandelier above the auditorium (viewable only when no rehearsal is underway)
The red-and-gold Italian horseshoe auditorium (about 1,979 seats) and one of the largest stages in Europe
The Library-Museum (Bibliothèque-Musée) with its vast archive of costumes, scores and models, plus the underground cistern that inspired 'The Phantom of the Opera'
Good to know
RulesOn-site ticket sales have been phased out: visit tickets must be pre-booked as timed-slot QR tickets on the official site (operadeparis.fr). Last admission is one hour before closing.
RulesOn rehearsal days the auditorium (and Chagall ceiling) is frequently closed without notice, and no ticket guarantees access. If the ceiling is a must-see, consider a guided tour or check availability before you go.
SeasonTimed slots sell out fast in the summer peak, on weekends and during exhibitions. The theatre lacks full air-conditioning, so interiors can be hot and crowded in midsummer—an early slot is best.
SafetyThe area around Opéra métro, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, and the metro itself, is a known pickpocket zone. Wear bags in front and keep phone and wallet secure.
CautionAvoid overpriced resold tickets sold near the station or square, 'petition/signature' approaches and fake guides. Book only through the official website or official on-site channels.
MannersThis is a working opera house and a heritage monument: keep noise down during visits, and if you attend an actual performance, dress neatly and avoid overly casual wear such as sportswear or flip-flops.
Practical info
It sits directly at Opéra métro (lines 3, 7, 8) or Auber on RER A; daytime self-guided visits generally run daily 10:00–17:00 (until 18:00 in summer). Prices (adult self-guided visit around €15) and hours vary with the performance schedule, so always confirm the latest information and book a timed slot on the official website before visiting.
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