Palais Garnier Tickets

Palais Garnier History

Palais Garnier History

Palais Garnier History

Step into the opulent world of the Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra Garnier. Built in the heart of the City of Lights, the opera house epitomizes the grandeur and extravagance of 19th-century Paris. Its majestic architecture, adorned with intricate details and rich ornamentation, has captivated audiences for over a century.

On this page, delve into the fascinating Palais Garnier history, from its inception as a symbol of Napoleon III’s ambition to its enduring legacy as a world-renowned cultural landmark. Begin with a chronological timeline, followed by an in-depth overview and insights into its remarkable architecture.

Palais Garnier History: Historical Timeline

1861

The construction of the Palais Garnier is commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III as a symbol of his ambition and the grandeur of the Second Empire.

1862

Charles Garnier, a young and relatively unknown architect, is selected to design the opera house. Garnier’s design is inspired by the Renaissance and Baroque styles, incorporating grand arches, ornate balconies, and lavish decorations.

1875

After 14 years of construction, the Palais Garnier is inaugurated with a grand spectacle. The opera house is hailed as a masterpiece of architecture and a testament to the artistic achievements of the Second Empire.

1875-1937

Palais Garnier becomes the center of Parisian cultural life, hosting a wide range of opera, ballet, and musical performances. The opera house is also home to the Paris Opera Ballet, one of the world’s most renowned ballet companies.

1937

Palais Garnier undergoes a major renovation to address structural issues and modernize the opera Palais for the 1937 World’s Fair.

1970s

Palais Garnier becomes a popular filming location for Hollywood movies, including “The Phantom of the Opera” and “The Red Shoes.”

1975

Palais Garnier is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further solidifying its status as a cultural landmark of international importance.

1980s-2023

Palais Garnier continues to host a diverse range of performances, from classical opera and ballet to contemporary dance and musical theater. The opera house also welcomes visitors from around the world to explore its stunning architecture and rich history.

Today

In 2023, Palais Garnier celebrates its 150th anniversary, marking a remarkable milestone in the life of this iconic Parisian landmark.

Palais Garnier History: Summary

Embark on a captivating exploration of Palais Garnier’s rich history with our in-depth overview. Learn about its beginnings, changes over time, and its cultural importance.

In 1861, Emperor Napoleon III commissions the construction of the Palais Garnier, a grand opera house that will solidify his reign and embody the Second Empire’s grandeur. In 1862, Charles Garnier, a young and relatively unknown architect, is chosen to design the opera house, tasked with creating a masterpiece that reflects the era’s opulent tastes.

After 14 years of meticulous construction, the Opéra Garnier is inaugurated in 1875, a spectacle that showcases the opera house’s splendor and the architectural prowess of its designer.

In 1937, Palais Garnier undergoes a significant renovation to address structural issues and modernize its facilities, preparing it for the grandeur of the upcoming World’s Fair.

Opéra Garnier’s captivating architecture and rich history capture the attention of Hollywood, making it a popular filming location for renowned films like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “The Red Shoes.” The opera house’s status as a cinematic icon further enhances its global recognition, cementing its position as an enduring symbol of Parisian culture.

  • Following the union of the crowns, Edinburgh Castle lost its status as a royal residence and became a military garrison.
  • The castle was used as a prison for political prisoners during the Jacobite uprisings of the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • In the 19th century, the castle was expanded to accommodate a larger garrison and became a major military base.

In 1975, the Palais Garnier earns UNESCO World Heritage Site status, a testament to its architectural significance and its enduring influence on global culture. The opera house continues to host a diverse range of performances, from classical opera and ballet to contemporary dance and musical theater, catering to audiences worldwide.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary, Opéra Garnier remains a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe to marvel at its stunning architecture, immerse themselves in its rich history, and experience the magic of its performances.

  • Sculptures on the facade of the Opera Garnier in Paris
  • Paris Panorama. Opera Garnier in the background. France
  • Opera ceiling, Opera Garnier, Paris, France
  • golden hall and ceiling of Opera Garnier in Paris

Architecture of Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier stands as an architectural masterpiece, embodying the grandeur and opulence of the Second Empire era. Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, the opera house was designed by the young and ambitious architect Charles Garnier, who infused his creation with a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Garnier’s masterpiece is characterized by its grand arches, ornate balconies, and lavish decorations, all meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of unparalleled splendor. The opera house’s most iconic feature is the Grand Staircase, a breathtaking cascade of marble steps, gilded handrails, and sculptures of Muses.

The Opéra Garnier is not merely an architectural marvel; it is also a treasure trove of artistic gems. Its walls are adorned with exquisite paintings by renowned artists, and its hallways and foyers showcase sculptures and decorative elements that further enhance its allure.

>> For more details, visit our dedicated page “Attractions inside Opéra Garnier”

  • Gold sculpture on top of Paris Opera, taken on a spring morning with perfect blue sky and no people
  • Majestic bas-relief on the facade of the Opera Garnier in Paris, France
  • The Opera Garnier of Paris, France
  • Paris, France - famous Opera Garnier. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Palais Garnier Tickets & Tours

Tickets to Opéra Garnier

4.3

1.7K Reviews

From €15.00

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  • Reserve now, pay later
  • Opéra Garnier entry ticket
  • Admission to the public areas of Opera Garnier
  • Smartphone ticket accepted
  • No cancellation 

“Easy ordering and redemption without printing. Easy payment. Visiting the Paris Opera is so worth it. Highly recommended.”

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Opéra Garnier: Entry + Arsène Lupin Immersive Game

4.5

183 Reviews

From €28.00

Tiqets

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile ticket
  • Admission to Opéra Garnier
  • Access to normally closed areas
  • Free Cancellation

“The puzzles are very cool, as is the setting. Great time…”

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Combo (Save 22%): Opera Garnier Tickets + 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Paris

4.3

7.8K Reviews

From €48.33

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  • Instant confirmation
  • Combo Ticket
  • Opera Garnier Ticket
  • 24 or 48-hr unlimited Hop-on Hop-off Tour
  • No Cancellation

“Second time of visit Opéra Garnier- early arrival was fantastic. Easy entrance and queuing wasn’t long. Booking was easy and quick.”

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Combo (Save 15%): Opéra Garnier Tickets + Seine River Paris Sightseeing Cruise

4.3

11.5K Reviews

From €28.80

Headout

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile ticket
  • Admission to Opéra Garnier
  • One-hour boat ride on Seine river
  • No Cancellation

“Opera Garnier was beautiful and majestic!…”

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The Opera Garnier of Paris, France

Facade of The Opera or Palace Garnier. Paris, France

Tickets to Opéra Garnier

1.7K Reviews

With this ticket, you’ll get skip the line access to the iconic Palais Garnier and its temporary exhibitions. Follow in the footsteps of the “Phantom of the Opera” and experience a true feast for the eyes, as the building is perhaps the most beautiful opera house in the world. Dazzling mosaics, colorful marble, and gilded decorations as far as the eye can see. A truly extravagant example of the architecture of the Second French Empire.

  • Entry to Opéra Garnier
  • Access to temporary exhibitions

Meeting point: Opéra Garnier, Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
Show your voucher at the Palais Garnier entrance (corner of Scribe and Auber).

Starting time: You need to choose a time slot of 1 hour for entry.

Duration: 2 Hours

Anastasia, April 2024

“Easy ordering and redemption without printing. Easy payment. Visiting the Paris Opera is so worth it. Highly recommended.”

>> See More Reviews

From €15.00

Check Availability

Headout

  • Reserve now, pay later
  • Opéra Garnier entry ticket
  • Admission to the public areas of Opera Garnier
  • Smartphone ticket
  • No Cancellation

Opera Garnier in the city of Paris

The Opera Garnier of Paris and city roofs, France

Opéra Garnier: Entry + Arsène Lupin Immersive Game

183 Reviews

This Palais Garnier admission ticket grants access to areas typically closed off to the public, as well as a mystery game. Tread in the footsteps of master detective Arsène Lupin and solve a tricky case at Palais Garnier. During the interactive game, explore the interior of the charming Beaux-Arts style building and delight in its lavish decorations, marble cladding, gilded ornaments, as well as intricately crafted frescoes and sculptures. Dive into an adventure in perhaps the most beautiful opera house in the world and playfully unveil the mystery surrounding the Count of Cagliostro.

  • Admission to Opéra Garnier
  • Brochure and pen for the game
  • Access to normally closed areas

Meeting point:  Opéra Garnier, Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

Starting time: You need to choose a time slot of 20 minutes.

Duration: 1.5 hours

5* Pascal, France, 8 Dec 2023, Verified customer

Very nice, my 10-year old daughter was delighted. It’s not easy to understand and find the riddles, the dad also had to rack his brains!
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5* Alice, France, 2 Nov 2023, Verified customer

Hello, I found this survey really cool, a little short to resolve everything because the initial explanations take 15 minutes and that’s what we missed, I was the only adult with 2 children aged 10 and 12. The puzzles are very cool, as is the setting. Great time.
>> See More Reviews

From  €28.00

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Tiqets

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile ticket
  • Admission to Opéra Garnier
  • Access to normally closed areas
  • Free Cancellation

Inside the Opera Garnier auditorium

Opera de Paris, Palais Garnier

Combo (Save 22%): Opera Garnier Tickets + 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Paris

7.8K Reviews

This combo deal offers an Opera Garnier Ticket along with a Hop-on Hop-off Tour of Paris. Select from either a 24-hour or 48-hour hop-on-hop-off tour, granting you unlimited access to hop on or off at 10 strategic stops throughout Paris. Elevate your experience by adding a Seine River cruise, allowing you to discover the enchanting cityscape from both land and water.

  • Entry to Opera Garnier
  • Access to Opera Garnier’s temporary and permanent exhibitions
  • 24/48-hr unlimited hop-on hop-off access
  • Audio guide for the bus tour in 6 languages
  • 1-hour Seine River cruise (optional)

Addresses:
Palais Garnier Box Office: Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris, France

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: You may choose to redeem your ticket at any of the bus stops on the Classic Red Route.

Duration of Opera Garnier Visit: Pick your entry time, stay as long as you like.

Gemma; Apr, 2024

“Second time of visit Opéra Garnier- early arrival was fantastic. Easy entrance and queuing wasn’t long. Booking was easy and quick.”

>> See More Reviews

From €48.33

Check Availability

Headout

  • Instant confirmation
  • Combo Ticket
  • Opera Garnier Ticket
  • 24 or 48-hr unlimited Hop-on Hop-off Tour
  • No Cancellation

Combo (Save 15%): Opéra Garnier Tickets + Seine River Paris Sightseeing Cruise

11.5K Reviews

This combo ticket includes admission to Palais Garnier, and a 1-hour Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise with audio guide. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Palais Garnier, a 19th-century Beaux-Arts masterpiece, and be captivated by colorful marble, dazzling crystal chandeliers, gilded ornaments, and finely crafted frescoes and sculptures.

Before or after, discover the attractions of the City of Love and Lights, such as Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, from a completely different perspective from the water. Listen to informative commentary on these unique icons as you gently glide past them.

  • Admission to Opéra Garnier
  • Access to temporary exhibitions
  • 1-hour Bateaux Parisiens Seine River cruise (flexible ticket)
  • Audio guide in French, English, Hindi, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean

Addresses:

Opera Garnier: Show your ticket at the intersection of Scribe and Auber Streets. Address: Auber – 75009 Paris, France.


River Cruise: Board your cruise at Bateaux Parisiens Port. Address: Port de la Bourdonnais – 75007 Paris.

Duration:
Take as much time as you want to get your fill Opéra Garnier.
The boat ride takes 1 hour.

5* Viktoriya, July 2024 – [Source: Headout]

Everything was good organised. We did not wait in a line. The ship was cleaned. Love the tour-nice view and relaxing. Thanks.

>> See More Reviews

From €28.80

Check Availability

Headout

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile ticket
  • Admission to Opéra Garnier
  • 1-hr boat ride on Seine river
  • No Cancellation

>> Compare all options with our comparison table and pick the best ticket.

>> Check out the best places to eat near the Palais Garnier with our restaurant recommendations.

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