The Palais Garnier, a magnificent architectural marvel, is a testament to the grandeur of the past. This iconic opera house stands as a symbol of Parisian elegance and artistic brilliance. But beyond its breathtaking beauty lies a rich history and an enduring legacy that continues to captivate audiences today.
Visiting the Palais Garnier is an experience that should not be missed. This architectural masterpiece offers a glimpse into a bygone era, inviting visitors to explore its hidden secrets and immerse themselves in the world of opera.
Planning Your Visit
Before embarking on your exploration of the Palais Garnier, it’s essential to be aware of its opening hours and potential closures.
The Palais Garnier is open from 10am to 4pm, however, some areas may be closed due to theater activity.
The auditorium, a central part of the opera house, is frequently inaccessible to visitors due to ongoing performances and rehearsals. To ensure a seamless visit, it’s advisable to check the official website or call for updates on the availability of specific areas.
Securing your entry to the Palais Garnier is highly recommended, especially during peak season. To avoid disappointment, online booking is the best way to guarantee your spot.
Online booking grants you access to the Palais Garnier, but it’s important to remember that specific areas might be restricted due to ongoing activities.
For those seeking a more affordable option, a reduced rate is available for self-guided visitors aged 25 and over. This discounted rate, however, does not apply if the auditorium is inaccessible.
Booking Your Experience
Booking your visit to the Palais Garnier is a simple process, offering various convenient options to suit your preferences.
You can secure your tickets online through the “BOOK” button on the official website, which will redirect you to a page where you can create an account or log in if you are already registered.
Alternatively, you can book your tickets by phone, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 7pm, by calling 08 92 89 90 90 (0,35€/min) within France or +33 1 71 25 24 23 from abroad.
For a more personal experience, visit the Palais Garnier’s desks, open every day from 11 am to 4 pm, or use the automatic terminals located in the Palais Garnier’s hall (ticketing area), where credit card payment is accepted.
Reduced Rates and Free Tickets
The Palais Garnier offers reduced rates and free tickets to various individuals and groups.
To avail these benefits, you must present a valid proof of eligibility and an identity document at the entrance.
Here are some of the categories eligible for reduced rates and free tickets:
Reduced Rates:
- Family offer: This offer is available for 4 paying tickets, including one ticket for a young person aged 12 to 25.
- Reduced partner rate: Holders of the following are eligible for a reduced rate:
- A valid Opera subscriber card
- A visit ticket for the Bastille Opera (less than one year old)
- A maximum 8-days old ticket for the Musée d’Orsay or Musée Gustave Moreau*
- The Pass Navigo, Pass senior or Imagine’R card, on presentation of a Navigo Certificate of subscription**
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- The reduced rate for the purchase of a ticket to the Musée d’Orsay or the Musée Gustave Moreau is also offered to holders of a ticket to visit the Palais Garnier, up to 8 days after the purchase of this ticket.
Free Tickets:
- Children under the age of 12:
- Person with disability and one helper: Limited to one helper per person with disability.
- The unemployed, recipients of social assistance / RSA / other minimum social benefits: Document dated within the last 3 months.
- Free partners for holders of:
- The Pass’ Jeunes Opéra
- A valid Young Adult Opera subscriber card
- The AROP Particulier card
- The Carte Culture issued by the French Ministry of Culture (valid for two persons)
- The Bibliothèque nationale de France’s reader’s card (admission to the reading room of the Opera’s Library-museum)
- The French professional tour guide card (rate available on request from the groups and professionals department to prepare a visit : [email protected])
Accessibility
While the Palais Garnier offers a wealth of experiences, some areas are not accessible for people with reduced mobility.
The temporary exhibitions’ area and the shop are unfortunately not accessible to visitors with mobility limitations.
Exploring the Palais Garnier
Once you step inside the Palais Garnier, a world of architectural wonders and artistic brilliance awaits.
A multimedia tour takes you on a 90-minute journey through the history and secrets of Charles Garnier’s masterpiece. This immersive experience is enhanced by archival images and insights from specialists who shed light on the opera house’s past.
Through augmented reality, even the most hidden corners of the Palais Garnier become accessible, allowing you to virtually explore areas like the Foyer de la Danse and the Costume Depository.
Beyond the multimedia tour, the Palais Garnier offers various ways to explore its magnificence.
You can explore the auditorium, marvel at Marc Chagall’s ceiling, admire the paintings in the Grand Foyer, and gaze upon the grandeur of the façade.
For a guided experience, Zoé, a ballerina of the Opera, leads an interactive tour for children aged 6 to 13, revealing the legends and secrets of Charles Garnier’s architectural masterpiece.
Specially designed tours are also available for visitors with visual and hearing impairments, ensuring an inclusive experience for everyone.
For those seeking a more independent experience, the Palais Garnier provides an interactive plan to guide you through its vast spaces.
Architectural Highlights
As you wander through the Palais Garnier, be sure to appreciate its stunning architectural details.
The Rotunde du Glacier, located at the end of a long gallery, captivates with its fresh and bright atmosphere. This beautiful rotunda features a ceiling painted by Clairin, depicting dancing bacchantes, fauna, and tapestries illustrating various refreshments, fishing, and hunting. This elegant space evokes the charm of the Belle Époque.
The Avant-Foyer boasts a vault adorned with shimmering mosaics on a gold background. The spectacular view of the Grand Staircase adds to its grandeur.
The Grand Foyer, with its play of light between mirrors and windows, amplifies its vast dimensions. The ceiling, painted by Paul Baudry, features themes from the history of music, adding another layer of artistic richness to this magnificent space.
The lyre, a symbol of music, is a recurring motif throughout the Palais Garnier, adorning capitals, heating grids, and doorknobs. A copy of Charles Garnier’s bust by the sculptor Carpeaux is located in the center of the foyer, near a window offering a breathtaking view of the Avenue de l’Opera and the Louvre.
The Salons du Soleil et de la Lune, with their symbolic and poetic ambiance, seamlessly transition to other areas of the Palais Garnier.
A visit to the Palais Garnier is an unforgettable journey through time, offering a glimpse into the history and grandeur of Parisian art and culture. It is an architectural masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its beauty, artistry, and enduring legacy.
