On Tuesday, September 2, at the Opéra Bastille, in the presence of Alexander Neef, Director General of the Opéra national de Paris, Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture, presented "Nouvelle Ère, Nouvel Air," a unique renovation project for the Paris National Opera, to be carried out across all four of its sites: the Palais Garnier, the Opéra Bastille, the Ateliers Berthier in Paris, and the École de Danse in Nanterre.

Commissioned by the President of the Republic, this project is one of a series of major initiatives he has launched to promote culture, make it accessible to all, and enhance its international influence, from the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris to the launch of the Louvre – Nouvelle Renaissance. This major project for the Paris Opera marks yet another national and international ambition to make significant investments for future generations. It marks a new chapter in the institution's history.

With the modernization of its facilities, the improvement of its workspaces and public areas, and a greater openness to the city, the Paris Opera will consolidate its position as an iconic center of French culture throughout the world, but also as a cultural institution that is resolutely open and accessible to all.
 

With 2 million people passing through its theater doors and 375 curtain rises, the Paris Opera is one of the world's largest opera and ballet institutions.

Today, the institution faces several challenges: modernizing its technical and stage equipment; reaching out to an ever-growing and diverse audience; renovating its spaces to improve conditions for audiences, artists, and employees; and accelerating its ecological transition.

Almost 40 years after it opened, the Opéra Bastille will benefit from the renovation of its stage equipment—machinery, sound, lighting, video—as well as the refurbishment of its rehearsal studios. The stage is scheduled to close temporarily for two seasons around 2030.

The Palais Garnier will see the continuation of the restoration of its facades and the modernization of its stage house. The stage will be closed between summer 2027 and summer 2029, and access to visitor areas will remain open throughout the duration of the work.

The École de Danse in Nanterre and the Ateliers Berthier will also undergo renovation work (roofs; accessibility; logistics and rehearsal spaces).

Throughout the construction period, the Opéra national de Paris will continue to present operas, ballets, and concerts thanks to alternating openings between the two theaters and off-site programming.

Far from being merely a technical undertaking, this project is also a cultural and urban transformation. For the first time, the 4,600 m² of public spaces at the Opéra Bastille will be accessible free of charge during the day from 2030.

Through an expanded offering of workshops, meetings, immersive experiences, and participatory formats, the Paris Opera intends to make its world more accessible, familiar, and vibrant. The goal is to pave the way for a meaningful appreciation of opera and dance by all audiences, regardless of age or background.

New social and dining areas will enrich the audience experience, making the Opéra Bastille a true hub of activity.

The Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, has announced the upcoming launch of an international architecture competition. A call for applications will be launched this fall to design these new spaces and strengthen the opera's roots in its neighborhood, particularly in relation to the Place de la Bastille and the Faubourg Saint-Antoine.

The project is part of a demanding approach to environmental responsibility. Each construction site will incorporate objectives in terms of energy performance, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.

Greenery will be installed, the surroundings redesigned, energy consumption optimized, and photovoltaic panels will be installed on the renovated roofs and skylights of the Opéra Bastille.

This project, to which the State is fully committed, will be largely financed by the Paris Opera's own resources and the commitment of its patrons.

The “New Era, New Air” project is based on an unprecedented mobilization of French and international patrons alongside the institution. Led by the Association pour le Rayonnement de l'Opéra national de Paris (AROP), this active support reflects a shared desire to preserve an exceptional heritage while promoting creativity, innovation, and access to culture and the arts for all.

CHANEL, Exceptional Patron of the Paris Opera, BNP PARIBAS and the BNP PARIBAS Foundation, and Thierry Déau are already committed to supporting the Opera in this historic project.

Rachida DATI, Minister of Culture, states: "With the ‘Nouvelle Ère, Nouvel Air’ project, the Paris Opera is opening up, transforming itself, and looking to the future. This project is a striking demonstration of France's ability to undertake ambitious projects that bring our culture closer to citizens without ever ceasing to shine on the international stage. This necessary work will be carried out with the utmost care, respecting the venues and teams, without ever interrupting the connection with audiences."