What Are the Two Operas in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

Paris, the city of love and lights, is a hub for art and culture. Known for its iconic landmarks, museums, and fashion houses, the city is also renowned for its opera houses. The two prominent opera houses in Paris are the Opéra Garnier and the Opéra Bastille.

Opéra Garnier

The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra Garnier, is a breathtaking building constructed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style. It was built between 1861-1875 and was designed by architect Charles Garnier. The interior of the building features a grand staircase made of marble that leads to the main hall.

The main auditorium of Opéra Garnier can seat up to 1979 people. The stage is adorned with velvet curtains and chandeliers that add to the grandeur of the venue. The ceiling of the auditorium is painted with a mural by Marc Chagall, which depicts scenes from famous operas.

The Opéra Garnier has been home to many notable performances since its inauguration in 1875. It has hosted famous composers such as Georges Bizet and Gioachino Rossini.

Opéra Bastille

Another prominent opera house in Paris is the Opéra Bastille. This modern opera house was inaugurated on July 14th, 1989, to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of the French Revolution.

The Opéra Bastille has a seating capacity of 2745 people spread across three levels. Unlike traditional opera houses like Opéra Garnier, it boasts state-of-the-art technology that allows for versatile sets and special effects.

One unique feature of this opera house is its accessibility to visitors with disabilities. It offers facilities like wheelchair access, audio description services for visually impaired audiences, and sign language interpretation for hearing-impaired audiences.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Paris is home to two iconic opera houses – the Opéra Garnier and the Opéra Bastille. While the Opéra Garnier boasts rich cultural heritage and traditional architecture, the Opéra Bastille offers modern facilities and advanced technology. Both opera houses have their unique charm and are worth visiting for any lover of art and culture.