Opéra Garnier
Self-Guided Visit

Everything you need to know
about Opéra Garnier

The most opulent building in Paris — and possibly in the world. Charles Garnier's opera house, completed in 1875, is a monument to 19th-century excess and beauty: marble staircases wide enough for three coaches side by side, gilded foyers, grand salons, and the famous auditorium with its ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964. The Phantom of the Opera is set here — and walking through the building, you understand why.

A self-guided visit takes you through the grand foyer, the Grand Staircase, the Emperor's Salon, and into the auditorium itself (when no rehearsals are scheduled). The library-museum includes sets, costumes, and historical archives from 150 years of operatic history. One of the most magnificent interiors in Paris — visited by far too few tourists.

Highlights & inclusions

What you'll find inside

Getting there & what to know

Tips & recommendations

• →Add the audio guide (€6) — the building's history and hidden details are fascinating.
• →Visit on a weekday morning when the building is quiet.
• →Check if there's a performance during your stay — watching an opera or ballet here is extraordinary.
• →The rooftop terrace (when open) offers one of the best views of the 9th arrondissement.