The famous Strasbourg National Opera is going to give itself an incredible makeover worth 120 million euros!

undefined undefined 14 janvier 2026 undefined 19h00

The Editor

The National Opera of the Rhine is about to embark on a major transformation, with a extensive renovation and expansion project estimated at 120 million euros. For five years, performances will leave their usual venue to take place in the Palais des Fêtes, which has also been reimagined for the occasion.

In autumn 2028, the Opéra National du Rhin will temporarily close its doors. Not due to exhaustion, but to reinvent itself for the better. The current building, despite its prestige, bears the weight of the years: imperfect visibility, technical constraints, and spaces that have become unsuitable for the contemporary demands of live performances. The renovation, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2033, aims to address these structural issues while projecting the Opéra into the 21st century. But in Strasbourg, culture doesn’t hit pause. During these five years of construction, the Opéra will continue to play, sing, and make the city vibrate, just in different places!

The Palais des Fêtes, an unexpected but strategic stage

It’s the Palais des Fêtes, an emblematic building listed as a historical monument, that will welcome the Opéra “off-site.” A choice that is both symbolic and pragmatic. Until now dedicated to concerts.s and smaller shows, the venue will undergo a profound transformation starting in July 2026. A 100 m² orchestra pit, seating, boxes, stage lifts, storage spaces, improvements to acoustics and safety: everything is designed to enable an ambitious lyrical program. And above all, these arrangements won’t just be temporary installations. Some of them will remain, addressing needs that have long been expressed by local cultural stakeholders.

Fewer seats, but a new idea of the show

With about 660 seats compared to 1,100 in the current Opera, the capacity will be reduced. Is that a downside? Not necessarily! Today, nearly one in two seats offers partial visibility. Tomorrow, every spectator will enjoy optimal listening and viewing experiences. It will be a more intimate adventure, but also more demanding. This project is mainly about Strasbourg's desire to rethink its cultural spaces not as frozen monuments but as living environments that can evolve while honoring their history. A slow, costly transformation, but one that's essential!

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