In a move to preserve one of France’s most treasured cultural landmarks, the Paris Opéra announced Thursday that its historic Palais Garnier will close for a two-year renovation beginning mid-2027.
The nearly 150-year-old opera house, a fixture of Parisian heritage and architecture, requires modernization to its stage infrastructure, and its closure will be followed by the renovation of its sister site, the Opéra Bastille, starting in 2030.
The Palais Garnier, known for its grandiose architecture and as the inspiration for Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera, has remained largely untouched since its inauguration in 1875.
However, an assessment by France’s top state audit authority, the Court of Accounts, has emphasized the pressing need for updates to address structural aging and to bring the venue in line with modern performance standards.
Their recent report pointed out that both the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille have been “victims of long-standing underfunding” and that essential refurbishments could no longer be delayed.
With an estimated price tag of at least €200 million for both opera houses, the extensive overhaul is a significant financial undertaking for the institution.
The cost projection is still undergoing evaluation as authorities conduct further checks to confirm expenses, with adjustments expected to align with the final renovation plans.
Though the impending closure of both sites will disrupt regular scheduling, the Paris Opéra has made arrangements to mitigate the impact on its performance calendar.
The staggered renovation timeline allows for one of the stages in Paris to remain open during the process, ensuring that audiences will still have opportunities to attend performances in the capital.
Additionally, the Opéra plans to extend its reach by staging performances at alternative venues across France and in various locations around Paris.
The anticipated two-year closure of the Opéra Bastille, which opened in 1989 and is the larger of the two stages, will commence in mid-2030.
Known for its modern design and capacity to host large-scale productions, the Bastille is also due for updates to maintain its status as a premier venue for opera and ballet in Europe.
As news of the renovations breaks, officials at the Opéra have emphasized the importance of these restorations for the future of the arts in Paris.
The upgrades are expected to include essential technical improvements to the stages and backstage areas, enhancing both the performers’ and audience’s experience.
While the closures will present challenges, the Opéra’s management believes the work is a critical investment in the institution’s long-term sustainability.
The Palais Garnier’s forthcoming restoration has been met with a mixture of nostalgia and support from Parisians and art lovers worldwide, as the iconic building has served as a symbol of French art and architecture for generations.
The Opéra hopes that the revitalized venues will continue to inspire audiences and maintain their status as landmarks of Parisian culture.
As the dates draw nearer, further details about the renovations and their impact on upcoming seasons are expected. Meanwhile, the Paris Opéra will continue its dedication to the performing arts, even as it prepares to temporarily part with its beloved stages.
