shutterstock-1185502669

5 events not to miss for the 150th anniversary of the Palais Garnier!

undefined undefined undefined 13h00

The Editor

©Funny Solution Studio/Shutterstock

This year, the Palais Garnier is celebrating its 150th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, various events are organized throughout the year. We've picked out five that you absolutely shouldn't miss for any reason.

An exceptional birthday for an exceptional performance hall! In 2025, the Palais Garnier will celebrate its 150th anniversary. Inaugurated on January 5, 1875, it has been the place for artistic and scenic creation par excellence. Built by the architect Charles Garnier, this gem of the French capital fascinates people from all over the world and attracts millions of visitors and thousands of spectators each year who come to discover its ballets, concerts, and operas. To celebrate these 150 years, unique events will be organized throughout the year. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store for you!


The Anniversary Gala

It’s rare to find events that bring together all the artists from the Opéra national de Paris. But to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Palais Garnier, the musicians from the Orchestra, the artists from the Choirs and the Academy, the stars and dancers from the Ballet, as well as the students from the dance school will unite for a unique gala on January 24th. For this special occasion, mezzo-soprano Léa Desandre, tenor Juan Diego Flórez, soprano Lisette Oropesa, and baritone Ludovic Tézier will honor us with their presence. And for those who can't make it, the evening will be broadcast on France 5 along with the documentary An (Extra)ordinary Day: 24 Hours at the Opéra Garnier by Priscilla Pizzato. 

Anniversary Gala
Friday, January 24, 2025, at 7:30 PM
8, rue Scribe – 9th
More info 

 

Stage Jewelry from the Opéra de Paris

Since November 2024 and until March 28, 2025, the exhibition highlights stage jewelry from some of the biggest shows. Although not made of gold, stones, or diamonds, but rather brass, glass, and rhinestones, they beautifully illustrate the theatrical illusion. The collection at the Opéra de Paris includes no less than 4000 pieces.

At the Bibliotheque-Museum of the Opera
Until March 28, 2025
More information


The exhibition on the 150 years of the Palais Garnier

Organized in partnership with the BnF, this exhibition traces the history of this theater envisioned by Napoleon III, which has become a true emblem of culture and Paris over the years. It will be held at the Bibliotheque-Museum of the Opera and accessible from October 14, 2025 to February 15, 2026. 

The 150th Anniversary of the Palais Garnier
Library-Museum of the Palais Garnier
From October 14, 2025, to February 15, 2026
More info


Two Days of Encounters "The Palais Garnier, Object of All Fantasies"

Imagine historians, architects, journalists, musicians, artists, political figures, and philosophers, all gathered in the Grand Foyer of the Opéra Garnier to exchange and debate about this place. This will be possible on November 22 and 23, 2025. Five different meetings will be organized, titled "The Palais Garnier, a Show in Itself," "The Palais Garnier, a Place of Creation?", "The Palais Garnier, Temple of Dance," "The Palais Garnier and Political Power," and "The Palais Garnier in the Arts." 

Meetings "The Palais Garnier, object of all fantasies"
On November 22 and 23, 2025
Free access with reservations 
Reservations open in September 2025
More info


Special Thematic Tours for the 150th Anniversary of the Palais Garnier 

Exploring the Palais Garnier at your own pace is one thing, but discovering it through a guided tour is another! For this anniversary, a special tour is offered to delve into the history of the theater and its political and cultural impact. With your guide, you will visit the rotunda, the basin of the Pythia, the Grand staircase, the auditorium, as well as the Grand Foyer and its forecourt.