Opéra Bastille - Opéra National de Paris
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Live Music,
Popular with Locals,
Romantic,
Theater
It was the 20th century composer Pierre Boulez who spearheaded the campaign for a new government-built opera house, initially intended to replace the historic Opera Garnier, or Palais Garnier, and encourage a new generation of concertgoers to enjoy classical music. The two theatres now compete for the title of Paris' most prestigious classical venue, with the original Opera house remaining the home of the Paris National Ballet and the celebrated Opéra National de Paris moving to the contemporary Opéra Bastille.
Designed by the previously unknown Canadian-Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, who beat 1,700 other design proposals submitted via an international competition in 1983, the Opéra Bastille was inaugurated in 1989 on the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. An accomplished feat of architectural ingenuity, the modernist design utilizes the same materials inside and out, and features a vast mosaic of glass panes that make up its dramatic transparent façade. Inside, the acoustically homogeneous main auditorium features 2,700 seats, each with an unobstructed view of the stage, and makes an atmospheric setting for champagne-fuelled classical music concerts and operatic performances.
Latest Reviews
Review by Pauline L, United Kingdom, September 2012
Doing what: Paris City Tour and Seine River Cruise
We did miss our coach but the operator was really good and got us on to another tour. Comfortable coach, tour quite informative and cruise was quite good. Great value for money.
Review by John M, September 2011
Doing what: Paris L'Open Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
The various tours were excellent, and the fact that there were overlaps between tours allowing you to change was certainly a highlight, allowing you to see even more of a special City. The only drawback, and it has nothing to do with the tour company, is the level of traffic in the City. It's a pity that they don't appear to operate a specific bus/taxi lane to allow quicker movement around the various sites.
Review by Aretha G, USA, August 2008
Doing what: Paris City Tour and Eiffel Tower Half-day Trip
