After the publication of a report from the Court of Auditors detailing the future challenges of the Paris National Opera, including that of “building and scenic renovation” of the two buildings, described by the magistrates as “aging” and of “long-standing underfunded”.
The prestigious public institution headed by the German, Alexander Neef, provided details on the provisional schedule for the work, decided in July.
At the Palais Garnier: The plateau will be inaccessible from mid-2027 to mid-2029
At the Palais Garnier, one of the jewels of the capital’s architecture which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025, classified “historical monument” in 1923, “the most important work will begin in the summer of 2027 and will involve the renovation of the stage equipment and the stage cage”affirmed the institution.
In a report, the Court of Auditors estimated that “the replacement of the motors of the hanger (space located above the stage and allowing the manipulation of the sets, editor’s note) of the stage cage was a priority”.
“The plateau being inaccessible” from mid-2027 to mid-2029, its artistic programming “will be interrupted for a period of two years”, added the Paris National Opera. According to him, during this period, “the Opéra Bastille’s programming will host an equal proportion of opera and ballet performances. Shows will also be scheduled outside the walls, in Paris, in partner venues, and more widely in France.”
The Garnier building, whose facade has already been under restoration for several months, will remain “accessible for visits” (with “predictable restrictions for the performance hall”). The latter reached a record number of 1.2 million in 2023.
The Bastille Opera: heavy work not before mid-2030
The Bastille Opera, designed by architect Carlos Ott and inaugurated in 1989, will face challenges “major renovation work”which will concern “stage equipment in particular”ce “not before mid-2030” et “with a closure of the plateau for an estimated period of two years”detailed the institution. Here again, it is the other site which will host the programming, just like partner rooms elsewhere.
Furthermore, “work on occupied sites will be undertaken (waterproofing of roofs and terraces, glass facades, etc.), before this closure period as well as after”.
According to a 2019 audit, cited by the Court of Auditors, “the priorities” for this place are multiple”: “renovation of stage machinery”, “modernization of stage equipment (hangers, primary and secondary podiums, stage frame and orchestra pit)”, “reduction in consumption of the light ceiling”but also “waterproofing of terrace roofs”.
The Opera also indicated in March that it was carrying out discussions to promote the public spaces of this building, which are currently closed outside of performances.
An investment of at least 200 million euros
The Court had mentioned a “investment plan” of 200 million euros at least » by 2030. This amount is “currently being updated, based on ongoing diagnostics”specified the Opera. “It will be based on the self-financing of the Opera and on the support of the State.”
The institution became profitable again in 2023, for the first time since 2017, thanks among other things to the return of the public to the rooms, patronage and a record number of visits to the Palais Garnier.
In 2024, however, it was affected by state budget cuts, to the tune of six million euros, the Ministry of Culture indicated in April.
For the 2024-2025 season, it offered 30 productions (19 operas and 11 ballets) to the public. Its director general Alexander Neef, initially appointed until 2026, saw his mandate renewed until 2032.
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