Opéra Garnier (Palais Garnier)

The Opéra Garnier, also called the Palais Garnier, stands at Place de l'Opéra in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, in the Île-de-France. Designed by Charles Garnier and completed in 1875, it is a landmark of Second Empire and Beaux-Arts architecture, as much a showpiece of display as a working theatre. A self-guided visit begins in the lobby, then climbs the white marble Grand Staircase, framed by columns, balustrades of onyx and allegorical sculpture. The route continues to the Grand Foyer, a gilded hall of mirrors and ceiling paintings, and to the auditorium, with its red-and-gold seating, a large chandelier and a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964 directly over the earlier decoration. The library-museum displays stage models, costumes and archival items. Visitors can also see the exterior's gilded statues and busts and the facade pavilions, best photographed from the steps of Avenue de l'Opéra or the corner by Place de l'Opéra's Métro exit. The building is still home to ballet and occasional opera, so access to the auditorium depends on rehearsals and performances; a daytime visit gives the fullest access. A visit takes about one to one and a half hours, longer with a guided tour in English. Crowds are heaviest at midday and on weekends, and mornings at opening are the quietest. An audioguide is available for a small supplement. For a different experience, an evening ballet or opera performance allows the interior to be seen in use, with prices that vary by production and seat category.