TheOpéra Comique as you've never seen it before... This is what the cultural institution in Paris's 2nd arrondissement has to offer for the 42nd Heritage Days on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025. This year, the theater is offering behind-the-scenes tours of this historic building for the whole family.
But what are the Journées du Patrimoine? For those just arriving or for our foreign friends who come to Paris at this time of year, the Journées du Patrimoine are two exceptional days not to be missed, allowing you to discover France's beautiful heritage through a variety of fun and educational tours.
A real bargain, since these tours are free of charge. Museums, Parisian political and cultural institutes, historic factories and businesses, localities... So many wonderful discoveries to be made for the occasion, and discover the unsuspected history of the places that surround us...
As far as the Théâtre national de l'Opéra Comique is concerned, the Journées du Patrimoine are an opportunity to learn more about the history of this institution. For the record, theOpéra Comique was founded under the reign of Louis XIV, in 1714, by Catherine Baron - who was its first director - and Gautier de Saint-Edme, two members of a troupe of showmen turned away by the Comédie-Française and theAcadémie Royale de Musique ( now the Opéra Garnier).
At the time, the troupe was more into pantomime and opera parody. It was also in 1714 that the troupe was authorized to have its own theater, but on condition that spoken dialogues were interspersed between the sung pieces. Today, the authorized repertoire has expanded from Baroque to contemporary music.
From September 25 to October 5, the Opéra-Comique plays Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Offenbach's famous work, first performed at the Opéra-Comique in 1881.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, we're opening our doors to you to see one of the last rehearsals with the orchestra!
Five 10-minute episodes to discover the Opéra-Comique with Clara and Léo, two apprentice dressmakers whose needles will bring the theater's costumes back to life. But what do these time-honored fabrics want? What are they crying out for? A funny, twirling story for children and parents alike.
Family activity, ages 6 and up
Stroll freely through the Opéra-Comique's public spaces all day long.
You'll find a selection of costumes from our past productions, brought straight from our workshops into the theater's lobby!
Want to take your visit further?
Our mediators will be on hand to tell you all about the history of the Opéra-Comique, from 10.30am to 12.30pm (Salle Favart and Foyer) and from 2pm to 5pm (Salle Favart only).
Families can also pick up a games booklet at the theater entrance.
Further information: https: //www.opera-comique.com/fr/spectacles/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2025.
Enter our costume and wig workshop! Professionals will show you their trade and the steps involved in creating the costumes for our productions.
Several visiting times at : 10:10 am; 10:40 am; 11:10 am; 12:00 pm; 12:30 pm; 2:00 pm; 2:30 pm; 3:45 pm and 4:15 pm.
Further information and reservations: https: //www.opera-comique.com/fr/spectacles/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2025.
Visiting slots are also open to disabled visitors:
3pm: accompanied by a sign language translator.
4:50pm: dedicated time for the visually impaired.
Reservations for the 3pm and 4:50pm slots only:
By phone: +33(0)1 70 23 01 44 / By email: accessibilite@opera-comique.com.
Come and consult our fortune-teller and her cards to sound out your thoughts and find out which of next season's shows is right for you!
Further information: https: //www.opera-comique.com/fr/spectacles/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2025.
The Opéra-Comique opens its doors to the famous Italian-style Salle Favart. Accompanied by designer Aga Werner, explore the principles of perspective through direct observation of the architecture.
You'll be invited to cast your eye over the space, playing with volumes, proportions and depth. An ideal opportunity to learn or perfect your technique, while (re)discovering a listed heritage site.
Open to beginners.
Materials provided. Participants wishing to bring their own equipment are welcome.
A time of rest and meditation, accompanied by a music therapist, to tunes from the Opéra-Comique repertoire.
Duration: 45 minutes.
Come and discover the new season's Opéra-Comique arias as you sing along with a chorus leader.
Duration: 40 minutes.
Further information: https: //www.opera-comique.com/fr/spectacles/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2025.
Our inventive team of props designers makes all the props for our shows!
Families are invited to put themselves in the shoes of a prop maker by creating a key item for many characters: a fan.
Length of activity: 45 minutes.
Family workshop for ages 8 and up
The Opéra-Comique gives carte blanche to Odile de Mainville, lyric singer and cabaret creature.
Accompanied by the whimsical pianist Cosme McMoon, she reveals the new season's program with her quirky, burlesque and joyfully impertinent eye.
From the world of Offenbach to the hits of Rihanna, embark on a musical journey as unexpected as it is flamboyant!
Further information: https: //www.opera-comique.com/fr/spectacles/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2025.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Opéra Comique
1 place Boieldieu
75002 Paris 2
Prices
Free
Official website
www.opera-comique.com
