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150 years of the Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful theaters in the world, celebrates its 150th anniversary
Inaugurated on January 5, 1875, the Palais Garnier boasts a rich history of heritage and artistic creation, myths and fantasies, opera, ballet and concerts.
Designed by architect Charles Garnier as part of an ambitious project initiated by Napoleon III, this Second Empire masterpiece harmoniously blends classical, baroque, and renaissance influences, distinguished by its majesty and refinement.
A theater, a public venue for festivities and performances—a place to see and be seen— the Palais Garnier has been a mirror of political power and a witness to major events in French history. The Palais Garnier never ceases to fascinate the public, drawing over a million visitors and nearly 350,000 spectators from all over the world annually.
To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the Paris Opera is organizing a series of events throughout 2025. Highlights include an exceptional gala on January 24, broadcast on France 5, as well as concerts, exhibitions, encounters, a behind-the-scenes documentary (Une journée (extra) ordinaire: 24 heures à l'Opéra Garnier), artist residencies, original publications, and themed tours, all designed to open this milestone to the widest possible audience.
This program of festivities showcases the Palais Garnier in all its splendor, celebrating its artistic and cultural heritage while connecting it to the present. With 172 performances per season, the Palais Garnier continues to play a central role in the world of opera and choreography. Hosting opera and ballet performances, concerts and recitals every season, this theater, magnificently designed by Charles Garnier, remains, 150 years after its inauguration, a place of wonder, sharing and emotion, and the setting for a rich and varied artistic program.
Together with the Opéra Bastille, the Palais Garnier forms one of the two iconic venues of the Paris Opera, currently directed by Alexander Neef.
A unique artist residency in the heart of the Palais Garnier
Throughout 2025, one artist will be welcomed each month to the Palais Garnier, and will be invited to create an exclusive piece inspired by his of her experience and the unique atmosphere of the Palais Garnier.
Discover Johan Creten, artist of the month for October 2025.
Exhibition: the Palais Garnier turns 150
In partnership with the Bibliothèque nationale de France
from 14 October 2025, to 15 February 2026
at the Paris Opera Library-Museum (Palais Garnier)
This exhibition explores how this theater became a legendary building, transforming from an elite venue commissioned by Napoleon III into a national emblem, an iconic monument admired worldwide, and a theater renowned for its unique program of ballets, operas, and concerts.
A unique artist residency in the heart of the Palais Garnier
PROJECT 12: 12 Months – 12 Artists – 12 Artworks
The Paris Opera and AROP, The Friends of the Paris Opera, are launching an unprecedented initiative: PROJECT 12, an extraordinary artist residency within the iconic Parisian monument.
Each month, a different artist will take up residence in this historic space, renowned as a sanctuary of artistic innovation.
During their residency, each artist will be invited to create an exclusive work inspired by their experience and the unique atmosphere of the Palais Garnier, just as 19th-century artists found inspiration in the architectural vision of Charles Garnier.
Special 150th anniversary guided tour of the Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier: a vibrant historic monument
Listed as a historical monument in 1923, the Palais Garnier remains one of Paris' most visited landmarks, attracting over a million visitors in 2023.
To mark its 150th anniversary, the Paris Opera offers a new themed tour that celebrates the legacy of this legendary theater.
As they journey through the Subscriber’s Rotunda, the Pythia Basin, the Grand Staircase, the auditorium, and the Avant and Grand Foyers, visitors will delve into the history of the Palais Garnier, a reflection of political power and a stage for social rituals since the Second Empire.
Discover a special playlist on Paris Opera Play
Explore or revisit iconic works that were originally created or added to the Paris Opera repertoire at the Palais Garnier on POP – Paris Opera Play, Paris Opera's streaming website.
Don’t miss the documentary Building the Paris Opera, which recounts the incredible 14-year journey to build the Palais Garnier from 1861 to 1875.
An exceptional evening on France Télévisions
On Friday 24 January 2025 on France 5, the evening began with the documentary An (extra) ordinary day: 24 hours at the Palais Garnier by Priscilla Pizzato. This immersive 24-hour experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic theater, following the people who make it come alive in a guided tour format.
The documentary was followed by the broadcast of the 150th Anniversary Gala, directed by François-René Martin.
The Rolex Ambassadors Concert on 11 May 2025, was also be broadcast at a later date on France 5, and is available on replay until 26 November 2025. → Watch the replay
Exclusive Collaborations to Celebrate the Palais Garnier
A timeless source of inspiration, the Palais Garnier has sparked the imagination of the Paris Opera’s partners, who have designed collections and creations full of surprises, elegance, and poetry to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
Influenced by the theater’s signature lyre, velvet textures, and golden details, renowned French shoemaker J.M. Weston, the Alain Ducasse Chocolate Manufacture, jewelry house Les Néréides, and furniture brand Tikamoon join forces with acoustic expert Devialet to pay tribute to Charles Garnier’s masterpiece.
150th Anniversary Collection Now Available in the Boutiques of Both Theaters
With a collection of textiles and stationery that combines ornate details, gilding, and elegance, the library-bookshops of both theaters pay tribute to the iconic façade of the Palais Garnier.
Inspired by this architectural masterpiece, the collection features a selection of bags, notebooks, and a variety of other refined items.
