Restoration of the Rotonde des Abonnés

The Paris  Opera is organising a vast restoration project for the Palais Garnier’s ground floor transversal axis which stretches from the roofed Subscribers’ entrance, stage left, on Rue Gluck across to the Emperor’s Ramp, stage right, on Rue Auber. 

The Rotonde des Abonnés, (Subscribers Rotunda), one of the showpieces of Charles Garnier’s architectural project, is situated at the centre of this axis.

The Paris National Opera is renovating this “historic axis”, which is one of  the building's major areas: in days of old, this was a central area in the theatre, richly decorated with sculptures, marble and mosaics, through which the subscribers passed to gain access to the theatre.

This restoration of the Palais Garnier’s historic sites includes several projects :

Moving the boutique-bookstore

Formerly installed in a restricted area of the Palais Garnier’s hall, it will be transferred to the area hitherto used only by the box office, thus benefitting from a larger and more functional space.

Combining performance and guided tour ticket sales

Since August 25th, 2008, the box office and tickets for guided tours share the same area situated on the south side of the hall adjacent to the Rotonde des Abonnés, on the side of the Emperor’s Ramp.

During the day, visitors access the Palais Garnier through this new entrance, situated at the corner of Rue Auber and Rue Scribe.

Restoration of the Rotonde des Abonnés

Different aspects of the restoration will contribute to its enhancement :

Marble work

Restoration of chandeliers and lighting

Restoration of the antique mosaics

Restoration of the sculptures

Restauration des peintures

The creation of a restaurant under the roofed entrance

This restaurant will improve the quality of the theatre’s hospitality and create an attractive centre for a tourist and business clientele in the area.

Further to three failed attempts since 1875, the long-awaited Opera Garnier restaurant managed by Pierre François Blanc, is at last about to open its doors on June 27th. The menu has been signed by the double-star chef Christophe Aribert, an enthusiast for quality products and daring alliances who gives perfectionism a new meaning.

It will be able to accommodate up to about 380 people thanks to its restaurant room seating 180 and a 500m² terrace (representing 200 extra seats in the summer).