It also moved away from it: from ancient mythology, romantic French opera turned to the historic frescoes of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Employing considerable technical and human resources – a large chorus, ballet and orchestra – it continued in the tradition of the grandiose initiated under Louis XIV. History Made Spectacular.īy the eve of the 1830 Revolution, grand opera, in gestation from the time of the Consulate, had established itself as the new operatic genre. Everywhere you look will be a feast for the eyes.įrom October 24 until February 2nd, discover the exhibition Grand Opera, 1828-1867. Imagine the swish of crinolines as you admire the breathtaking décor and stroll through vast foyers, filled with sparkling mosaics, colorful marble columns and gold-leaf flourishes. You will set eyes on the writhing snakes of the bronze “Pythonisse” sculpture, before climbing the double stairway of the “Grand Escalier” (Main Staircase).

Inaugurated in 1875 and named after its exciting young architect, Charles Garnier, it is the largest opera house in Europe. Thanks to your skip-the-line entrance ticket, benefit from a quick and easy access to this magnificent building in the center of Paris. Wearing a mask is compulsory from 11 years oldīoasting an eclectic and ostentatious Baroque design, the Opera Garnier is one of the most extravagant representations of Second Empire architecture in France.

Opera garnier paris france tickets