There are around thirty of them, of all ages, coming alone or with family, to discover the Opéra Garnier. In the Rotonde des Abonnés, at the entrance, their guide, Ségolène de la Houplière, points with a laser to the date of its opening in 1875, inscribed in the ceiling ornaments. Learning that the building, a “historical monument” for a century, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this Sunday, January 5, visitors open their eyes in surprise and nod their heads.
Enough to increase their interest as they begin their walk in the Rotonde des Abonnés, in reference to these 19th century spectators who went to the Opéra Garnier more to show off than to attend performances. They then pass through the Grand Staircase loaded with marble, paintings and metal ornaments before entering the library museum and the intermission room.
The concern for appearance has not completely disappeared, laughs the guide, evoking “Influencers who take photos of themselves, attend the start of performances then leave at intermission. » This nevertheless reminds us that at the opening of the Palais Garnier, only a restricted elite could strut under their gold while “Now everyone can do it!” »
Post-covid mass tourism
The majority of visitors, apart from a few dressed-up young women in sparkling evening dresses, wear jeans and t-shirts. Among them, Juliette, 24, usherette at the Montpellier Opera, insisted on this detour during her trip to Paris. For Guillaume, a Canadian on vacation in the capital, visiting this place of art and music was “obvious”.
A tour guide for twenty years, Ségolène de la Houplière observes that after the confinement period in 2020, the number of tourists increased significantly. She even talks about « mass tourism ». Nearly 480,000 people flock each year to discover the monument, among the most visited in Paris.
The facade, under renovation, appeals to some. The work, which was supposed to be completed in January, was delayed. In 2027, other, larger ones will be launched. “Guided tours will still be organized, except during short periods of closure”nevertheless assures Ségolène de la Houplière. And until then, the program of festivities promises to be busy: anniversary gala, exhibition, guided tour of the Belle Époque (1871-1914)… To the greatest pleasure of visitors.
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