Opera Garnier

also known as the Paris Opera House

travel  wonder in France

Why the

Opera Garnier

is special

The Baroque exterior and interior of the Opera Garnier are stunning.

Tips & insights

on the

Opera Garnier

The venue was known simply as the Paris Opera House when it opened in 1875.

This continued until 1989 when Parisians began calling it Opera Garnier (named for its architect) to distinguish it from the new modern Opera Bastille house which opened across town.

The strikingly modern Opera Bastille is now the home of the principal opera company of Paris. It's an interesting building, but does not quite merit one of my bronze wonder medals.

The Opera Garnier is now typically used for ballet and visiting opera companies. It seats about 2,000 people.

No doubt the fictional opera house depicted in the 1910 Phantom of the Opera book (and in the ensuing films and musical) is a roman a clef of the real-life Opera Garnier. Yes, there are resemblances. For example, the building has many subterranean chambers and one is flooded with water.

Public tours are available except during performances. They include the ceremonial grand staircase and the opulent red-and-white, multi-tiered auditorium, but not the Phantom's underground watery retreat.

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in France

My French

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

French cuisine

I hope your France travel dreams come true - and that 

my Opera Garnier page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications