For its 150th anniversary, the Opéra Garnier summons the big artillery. On January 24, 2025, this Parisian behemoth will host an anniversary gala which will bring together all the best of the Paris National Opera: the Orchestra, the Choirs, the Stars, the Ballet dancers and the students of the Dance School . Added to this are a few hand-picked guests, just to spice things up: Lea Desandre, Thomas Dunford, Juan Diego Flórez, Lisette Oropesa and Ludovic Tézier. No invitation for this cultural feast? Don’t panic. France 5 is responsible for broadcasting the evening on a slight delay, accompanied by a documentary entitled An extraordinary day: 24 hours at the Opéra Garnierdirected by Priscilla Pizzato.
150 years of magic at the Opéra Garnier
But Garnier is not just a bling-bling evening. It’s 150 years of history that will give you chills. This “Versailles of lyrical art”, as we like to call it, was inaugurated on January 5, 1875, under Napoleon III. At the time, the architect Charles Garnier saw things big: gilding here, marble there, a later but iconic Chagall ceiling… and a facade that would make the kings of the time pale . Classical, Baroque and Renaissance influences combine to create this absolute juggernaut of Second Empire style.
Today, the Opéra Garnier shares the spotlight with its little brother, the Opéra Bastille. Together, they form the opposite but complementary duo of the Paris National Opera, under the direction of Alexander Neef. But let’s be honest, Garnier remains the star of the show. Still standing, 150 years later, to amaze the crowds with its opera shows, its ballets, and its 172 curtain raisings per season.
For those who don’t want to drop a minimum wage in an evening, there are still the tours, guided or not. From €15, you can wander around this sumptuous palace, and feel like the hero or heroine of Phantom of the Opera. Be careful, certain areas remain inaccessible, such as the legendary ghost’s dressing room or the rehearsal rooms. And yes, it’s often crowded with tourists, so be patient.
In short, 150 years and not a wrinkle. The Opéra Garnier remains the pinnacle of Parisian chic, both a living museum and a legendary stage, where past and present dance together to dazzle onlookers.
