Opéra Garnier in Parijs
Opéra Garnier in Paris

Opéra Garnier in Paris: Is it worth a visit?

March 23, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

Opéra Garnier in Paris is a place you really don’t want to miss during your visit to the city. This impressive opera house is known for its beautiful architecture, opulent interior and rich history. Whether you love opera and ballet, or are just curious about this iconic landmark, a visit to the Opéra Garnier is definitely worthwhile. In this blog, we tell you everything you need to know before your visit.

Discover the splendor and history of the Opéra Garnier in Paris

One of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in Paris is undoubtedly the Opéra Garnier. This famous opera house is located in the 9th arrondissement and was designed in the 19th century by architect Charles Garnier, commissioned by Napoleon III. Construction began in 1861 and eventually took thirteen years, due in part to delays during the Franco-German War.

The Opéra Garnier is a magnificent example of rich Beaux-Arts architecture. The facade is a true work of art, full of marble columns, ornate statues and impressive details. Inside, the building is also breathtaking, with gold leaf, marble and magnificent ceiling paintings everywhere.

Nice to know: the world-famous story The Phantom of the Opera was inspired by this extraordinary opera house. Today, the Opéra Garnier in Paris attracts daily visitors from all over the world who want to experience the grandeur and history of this place. Highly recommended during your visit to the city!

What makes the Opéra Garnier in Paris so special?

The Opéra Garnier in Paris is special because of its impressive blend of art, architecture and history. The building is a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style, with a richly decorated facade full of statues, marble and gold. Inside, you’ll find a grand staircase, magnificent chandeliers and ceilings filled with art, including a famous painting by Marc Chagall. What makes it extra special is that this magnificent building was the inspiration for the world-famous story The Phantom of the Opera. It is not just an opera house, but a monument full of stories and splendor.

What's on at the Opéra Garnier in Paris?

During a visit to the Opéra Garnier, there is an awful lot to discover. Below is an overview of the highlights:

1. The impressive facade

Richly decorated with marble columns, statues and gold details – a work of art in itself.

2. The Grand Escalier (Grand Escalier).

An impressive staircase of marble, with bronze lamps and ornate balustrades.

3. The Grand Foyer

A luxurious hall reminiscent of a palace, with tall mirrors, gilded decorations and ceiling paintings.

4. The theater room

Red velvet, gold and a huge crystal chandelier draw immediate attention.

5. The ceiling by Marc Chagall

In the theater hall, the colorful ceiling, painted by artist Marc Chagall, sparkles.

6. The library-museum

Here you will discover costumes, models and old posters that tell the rich history of opera.

7. The legend of The Phantom of the Opera.

The Opéra Garnier was the inspiration for the famous story and musical The Phantom of the Opera.

A visit to this impressive building is a true journey through the art and history of Paris!

1. The impressive facade of the Opéra Garnier in Paris.

The facade of the Opéra Garnier in Paris is a true work of art. Marble columns, classical statues and gold details adorn the impressive exterior. From the square in front of the building, you have a magnificent view of this monumental gem, which immediately exudes the grandeur of the city.

2. The Grand Staircase at the Opéra Garnier in Paris.

Once inside, you step into the impressive Grand Escalier, the Grand Staircase of the Opéra Garnier in Paris. Here you will feast your eyes: marble steps, bronze balustrades and ornate statues make this space one of the most impressive parts of the building.

3. The Grand Foyer: a royal atmosphere at the Opéra Garnier in Paris

The Grand Foyer is an absolute eye-catcher and feels like a royal ballroom. Tall mirrors, gilded ornaments and colorful ceiling paintings create a luxurious atmosphere. This is where visitors used to gather to stroll during the intervals of performances.

4. The theater room with red velvet and gold

The theater auditorium is a stunning highlight of the Opéra Garnier in Paris. Everything exudes luxury: from the red velvet and gold leaf to the huge crystal chandelier that lights up the auditorium. Thanks to the perfect acoustics, a performance here is a special experience.

5. Marc Chagall's famous ceiling

At the heart of the theater auditorium is Marc Chagall’s colorful ceiling. This 1964 painting gives a modern twist to the classical setting and brings famous opera and ballet pieces to life. The ceiling is a surprising and beautiful contrast to the rest of the auditorium.

6. The library-museum of the Opéra Garnier in Paris.

The library-museum at the Opéra Garnier in Paris tells the story of the rich history of opera. You will find old costumes, models and historical posters. A perfect place for those who want to learn more about the cultural heritage of this special place.

7. The legend of The Phantom of the Opera.

A visit to the Opéra Garnier in Paris is not complete without dwelling on the legend of The Phantom of the Opera. This famous story, inspired by the building itself, still creates an air of mystery. The story adds to the magic and fame of this iconic opera.

Tickets to the Opéra Garnier in Paris

Want to admire the beautiful Opéra Garnier in Paris from the inside? Then it’s smart to order your tickets on time. Especially in high season and on weekends it can quickly get crowded. With a ticket booked in advance, you are guaranteed access and can enjoy this impressive opera house in peace and quiet.

Opening hours of the Opéra Garnier in Paris

The Opéra Garnier in Paris is open almost daily for visitors who want to tour the beautiful building. You can visit the opera house from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please note that the last admission is one hour before closing time.

Please note that the Opéra Garnier is sometimes closed or has modified opening hours due to performances or special events. It is therefore wise to check the current opening hours in advance and plan your visit well.

Getting to the Opéra Garnier in Paris

Want to visit the Opéra Garnier in Paris? Here’s how to get there easily:

1. Metro
Take metro line 3, 7 or 8 and get off at Opéra station. From here, walk to the opera house entrance in a few minutes.

2. Hop-on Hop-off bus
The famous Hop-on Hop-off buses also stop at the Opéra Garnier. A fun and relaxing way to explore the city and combine several attractions.

3. On foot
Are you staying in the center of Paris? Then the Opéra Garnier is also easily accessible on foot. During your walk, enjoy the beautiful Parisian streets and atmospheric surroundings.

Where is the Opéra Garnier located in Paris?

The Opéra Garnier in Paris is located in the 9th arrondissement, right in the center of the city. You will find the impressive building on the Place de l’Opéra, near the famous shopping streets and department stores such as Galeries Lafayette. Thanks to this central location, the Opéra Garnier is easy to combine with other attractions in Paris.

Address:

Opéra Garnier
8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France

Is a visit to the Opéra Garnier in Paris worthwhile? Our experience

During our visit to the Opéra Garnier in Paris, we were really positively surprised. The building is already beautiful on the outside, but especially impressive on the inside. The grand staircases, marble details and the colorful ceiling by Marc Chagall create a special atmosphere.

We enjoyed walking around at our leisure and learning more about the history of the building. Even without seeing a performance, it’s a nice place to visit.

One small downside we found was the price of the audio tour, which is quite on the high side. But other than that, the Opéra Garnier is definitely worth a visit if you are in Paris and love architecture and history.

Our tips for visiting the Opéra Garnier in Paris

After our visit to the Opéra Garnier in Paris, we would like to share a few practical tips with you. It really is a beautiful building to visit and with a little preparation you will get even more out of it. Here are our three personal tips:

1. Book your tickets in advance

The Opéra Garnier is a popular attraction and it can get crowded, especially in high season. We recommend ordering your tickets online in advance. This way you can avoid queues and be sure that you can enter at your convenience.

2. Take the time to look at everything carefully

There really is much beauty to see, from the impressive staircase to the richly decorated foyers and Marc Chagall’s ceiling. We enjoyed walking around quietly and taking in the details. So plan enough time so you don’t have to skip anything.

3. Combine your visit with the Galeries Lafayette

The Opéra Garnier is right in the center and within walking distance of the famous Galeries Lafayette. A great tip is to combine your visit and then take in the shopping streets or the roof terrace of Galeries Lafayette for a nice view of Paris.

Hope you got something out of our tips and enjoy your visit to the Opéra Garnier in Paris as much as we did!

Special offers for a city break to Paris

Are you going on a city break to Paris and would like to visit various sights and attractions? Then take advantage of the offers below! That way you can make the most of your visit and save on entrance tickets.