No doubt the best example of the architectural splendour of the Second Empire, the Garnier Opera is one of the largest old opera houses (11,000 square meters).  Almost one hundred people can perform simultaneously on stage there, and the auditorium can hold up to 2200 spectators. The chandelier alone weighs six tons!

Construction got underway in 1862, but wasn’t finished until 1875. The Garnier Opera is truly grandiose - inside and out! Huge mirrors line the walls along with paintings and sculptures. Inside, you will find marble columns three stories high, balustrades of Algerian onyx and caryatids in the likeness of Comedy and Tragedy. In 1964, Chagall painted a lyrical fresco on the ceiling of the Opera theatre.

In 1969, Paris inaugurated its second Opera building - the Bastille Opera. Construction lasted for five years. It was designed by the Canadian architect, Carlos Ott.  The surface area of the Bastille Opera is 150,000 sq. meters and it is 48 meters high. It seats 2700 people. From a technical and acoustic point of view, this Opera is ideal. Since its construction, all operas are now enacted at the Bastille Opera, leaving ballets to be performed at the Garnier Opera.