Opéra Garnier – Paris : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and home to many of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces. The Opéra Garnier is one of the city’s most conspicuous buildings. Built in 1875, this magnificent opera house serves as one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. In this blog, we’ll explore the interesting history, facts, and information behind this iconic building, as well as some travel tips for seeing the Opéra Garnier in Paris. Whether you’re an opera lover or simply someone looking to take in beautiful architecture, the Opéra Garnier is an experience everyone should try.

Interesting Facts About Opéra Garnier – Paris

1. It took over 13 years to build the Palais Garnier, and the construction began in 1861. It was completed in 1875.

2. The architect Charles Garnier based his design on the ancient amphitheatres of Rome and Greece.

3. The lavish decorations of the building were commissions from prominent sculptors, painters, and mosaicists from around the world, with Charles Garnier himself overseeing the work.

4. The Palais Garnier is home to one of the largest chandeliers in the world, weighing in at 6 tons and comprised of over 700 crystal pieces.

5. The building was the site of a tragic accident when the chandelier fell from the ceiling, killing one and injuring 14 others in 1896.

6. The building itself has over 180 rooms spread across 2,600 square meters.

7. The Palais Garnier is considered to be one of the most iconic opera houses in the world. The building has been featured in many films, including Phantom of the Opera.

8. No recording was allowed until 1937, when sound technicians began to record and broadcast excerpts of the operas.

9. The Palais Garnier is also home to the largest stage in the world, measuring 26 meters wide, 22 meters high and 17 meters deep, making it 930 square meters in area.

10. During WWI, the building was turned into a hospital, and many of the statues and wall decorations were removed in order to accommodate the beds.

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History & Information About Opéra Garnier – Paris

Opéra Garnier is a world-famous opera house located in Paris, France. Opéra Garnier is the primary home of the Paris Opera and the ballet of the Paris Opera. It is often referred to as the Palais Garnier or simply the Garnier in French.

The building was designed by the architect Charles Garnier in 1861. The building is an example of Baroque architecture and features notable architectural elements such as grand staircases, gilded columns, and a magnificent chandelier in the auditorium. The auditorium has an approximate capacity of 2,000, making it one of the largest opera houses in the world.

In addition to opera and ballet performances, the building has featured a number of other events. In the past, it has hosted the prestigious Paris Opera Festival and has also served as a venue for the Baccarat World Championship.

Opéra Garnier has a deep history in Parisian culture and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It is also a popular tourist destination and has been featured in films such as The Phantom of the Opera and Albert Nobbs.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Opéra Garnier – Paris

**Location:**

Opéra Garnier is located in the 9th Arrondissement of Paris, France.

**Getting There:**

The best way to get to Opera Garnier is to use the Paris Metro. The closest stations to Opéra Garnier are Opéra and Auber on Line 3 and Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre on Line 1. You can also take the RATP Bus Routes 20 and 21, which stop at the Opéra Garnier.

**Things to Do:**

1. Tour the Grand Opera House – Take a guided tour of the Opéra Garnier, learning all about its history and design features, and admire the ornate décor of the building. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the auditorium, the royal box, and the library.

2. Visit the Palais Garnier Museum – Located in the Palais Garnier, this museum has a collection of 300 works of art, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of the Paris Opera from its origins to the present day.

3. Take a Ballet or Opera Performance – Attend a classical ballet or opera performance at the Palais Garnier and admire the beautiful costumes and sets.

4. Attend the Jardin d’Opéra Garden Party – A summertime tradition since 1991, the Jardin d’Opéra Garden Party provides a mix of dance shows, live music, DJs, food and drinks.

5. Spend an Afternoon at the Café de la Paix – This elegant cafe located in the Palais Garnier is the perfect place for a coffee or snack after a day of sightseeing.

**Tips:**

– Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the line-ups.

– The Palais Garnier is occasionally closed for special events, so check the website for more information on operating hours.

– Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved when exploring the building.

– If you are a student, check if your student ID is accepted for discounted tickets.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Opéra Garnier – Paris

Q: Where is Opéra Garnier located?
A: Opéra Garnier is located at 8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France.

Q: How much does it cost to visit Opéra Garnier?
A: The standard ticket prices are €11 per adult and €8 per child.

Q: Does Opéra Garnier offer audio tours?
A: Yes, audio tours are available in 8 languages at no extra cost.

Q: What time is the last entry to Opéra Garnier?
A: The last admission time is 45 minutes before closing.

Q: Are there any restaurants at Opéra Garnier?
A: Yes, there is a restaurant and café located within the building.

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