The Palais Garnier was built between 1862-1875, by the architect Charles Garnier. He was only 35 when awarded with the design of the new opera house. A large building, it has a total area of 11,000 square metres (118,404 square feet) and a vast stage with room for up to 450 artists. The auditorium itself comprises roughly half of the total space, most of the rest being used to house necessary logistical support so that the stage demands of any opera can be met and even surpassed. This can include live horses running on a rotating stage. The opera seats only 2,200 which makes it a delightfully cosy venue. It is an ornate building richly decorated with friezes, columns, and winged figures among other statues and embellishments.

Address

Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris 

Subway - Opéra
RER - Auber
SNCF - Gare Saint-Lazare
Bus - 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 31, 39, 42, 52, 53, 66, 68, 81