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Opéra Garnier: what will the legendary hall look like after the renovations?

undefined undefined 18 décembre 2025 undefined 09h30

The Editor

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We announced it a little over a year ago, and in just a few months, the legendary Opéra Garnier will close its doors for a well-deserved little facelift! This major renovation aims to tackle the aging issues of the establishment and is expected to last for 2 years. But what should we expect during this time?

This is undoubtedly one of the cultural institutions most iconic to the capital. Yet, by mid-2027, we will have to say goodbye to the Palais Garnier, its impressive staircase and its beautifully stunning hall, and settle for admiring its façade — which we hope the renovation will be completed by then. Indeed, the opera, classified as a historical monument since 1923, will be completely inaccessible for 2 years.


A Little Facelift

Just a few days ago, at the end of November, the Opéra Garnier celebrated in style its 150th anniversary. A more than respectable age, but still quite advanced, which has undoubtedly left its mark on the building. A significant state of aging that the Court of Auditors did not fail to notice.

cute; to point out in October 2024, also announcing at the same time major renovations, to give it a new lease on life.

What's on the agenda for these extensive renovations? Replacing the stage trap (which includes the stage, the spaces underneath, and the grids above) as well as the motor that allows the grand curtain to move during performances. These major works will help to ensure greater safety for all artistic teams and tetechniques, but also a better quality of performances. The public reception areas will also be completely renovated.


Never 1 without 2

These works will therefore begin mid-2027 and are expected to last until 2029. During this time, the programming of the Opera will be relocated off-site, or within the Opéra Bastille, the second establishment of the national Opera of Paris. This second venue will also be subject to major renovations just after its elder, between 2030 and 2032, still with the aim of modernizing and providing a better experience.

In total, the overall project for the two institutions is estimated to cost 450 million euros. That's quite a tidy sum! The state will cover a quarter of it, while the Opera's own reserves and benefactors will take care of the rest. Chanel is contributing 50 million euros, and BNP Paribas and its Foundation are also among the supporters. It's an ambitious renovation that we're all excited to see come to life!