Bastille Opera House (Opéra Bastille)

The Basics

Located amidst the bustle of Place de la Bastille, the Bastille Opera Househas been an important cultural landmark for upwards of three decades. Initially commissioned by François Mitterrand and designed by the then little-known architect Carlos Ott, the venue comprises a main auditorium of nearly 3,000 seats, as well as a smaller amphitheater and a studio theater.

The opera house is renowned for its modernist looks, including a partially transparent facade. It is the official home of Opéra National de Paris, and, in addition to its operatic offerings, also hosts ballet performances and other recitals. The Bastille Opera House can be glimpsed during hop-on hop-off bus tours of the city. Visitors can also book advance tickets to its many performances.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Bastille Opera Houseoperates complimentary cloakrooms, though it does not accept luggage or large bags.

• On-site bars serve drinks and light refreshments during performances; place an order upon arriving at the theater to avoid waiting in long lines during intermissions.

• The theater is accessible to those with mobility issues and has a number of reserved seats for wheelchair users.

• Opera performances are subtitled in both English and French.

How to Get There

Bastille Opera House, at the Place de la Bastille, can be reached by numerous forms of transit. Take Métro lines 1, 5, and 8 to Bastille station; the Gare de Lyon, which is served by RER lines A and D as well as SNCF trains, is also located nearby. Bus lines 20, 29, 65, 69, 76, 86, 87, 91 stop in the area. You can also access the theater on foot and by rental bike, car, and taxi.

When to Get There

The Bastille Opera Houseis open for guided tours from Sept. 1–July 16, barring closures on Jan. 1 and May 1. It is closed for summer from July 17–Aug. 31. Its program of performances varies throughout the year, and it’s worth securing tickets prior to travel.

Discounted Tickets

The Bastille Opera Houseoffers discounted tickets for visitors under the age of 28 who have a Pass’Jeunes card; visitors with reduced mobility also receive discounted tickets. The Bastille Opera Houseadditionally offers 32 standing places, which sell for a deep discount 90 minutes prior to performance times. Standby rates are also sometimes available.

Ways to explore

The Bastille Opera House is renowned for its modernist design, including its partially transparent facade, and features on many Paris architecture tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours of the city. The official home of Opéra National de Paris, the venue hosts operas, classical music concerts, ballet performances, and other cultural events. It comprises a main auditorium with nearly 3,000 seats, as well as a smaller amphitheater and a studio theater. Book tickets in advance to attend one of its many performances and get a glimpse of the bold interiors.

Accessibility

All performances are accessible to travelers with reduced mobility, and wheelchair-accessible seating is available. The opera house requests that wheelchair users book tickets directly through its Accessibility Service at least eight days before a performance, to ensure appropriate seating is reserved.

Age limits

Children under 5 are not permitted to attend performances.

What to pack

Opera glasses, a light sweater or jacket

What to wear

Smart casual attire is recommended to attend performances. Formal wear is expected for gala evening events.

Not allowed

Taking photos or videos during performances, large bags, luggage, strollers, scooters

Amenities

Cloakroom, bar, restrooms

Address

Bastille Opera House is located in Place de la Bastille and is easily reached by numerous forms of public transportation. You can also take a taxi or walk from Le Marais, located just west of the opera house.

Driving

Several main boulevards feed into Place de la Bastille from all directions, and the opera house offers discounted parking at Q-Park Opéra Bastille at Rue de Lyon 34 for those attending performances.

Public transportation

Take metro lines 1, 5, and 8 to Bastille station. Gare de Lyon is also located nearby, which is served by metro lines 1 and 14, RER line A, and SNCF trains. Bus lines 29, 69, 76, 86, 87, 91, N01, N02, N11, and N16 stop in the area.

Best times to visit

The Bastille Opera House offers guided visits, but only in French. Otherwise, plan to attend a performance to admire the interiors of this modern performance space.

Best days to visit

Performances take place during the week and on weekends. There are often family-friendly shows on Sunday afternoons.

Best months to visit

The season at the Bastille Opera House runs from about mid-September to about mid-July; performances are generally not held in August.

Special events

The performance schedule at the Bastille Opera House changes annually and includes music, dance, and other cultural offerings. Check its website for a calendar of what’s on.