On stage, the artists of theOpéra Bastille dazzleus . But what happens behind the scenes, when the curtain falls? Come and find out on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025 ! The sublime and inescapable Opéra Bastille is opening its doors to us free of charge(reservation required) on the occasion of the 42nd Heritage Days, to reveal all its secrets.
A quick reminder for the uninitiated: the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are an opportunity for many French people to (re)discover some of the most important places in our heritage. While some don't hesitate to discover major institutions, museums and foundations, cultural centers,churches, castles, theaters and historic monuments, others prefer to focus on unusual, hidden and little-known places, or even exceptional openings.
Journées du Patrimoine: history, dates and 2025 theme of this not-to-be-missed cultural event
The European Heritage Days return on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025, with a new theme. Although the cultural event is celebrating its 42nd edition this year, few people actually know the origins of this essential back-to-school event. We'd like to tell you about the history of the Journées du Patrimoine, created in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culture. [Read more]
For the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris, the capital's historic and artistic monuments and landmarks are opening their doors (often free of charge) to let us in on their secrets. Don't miss this not-to-be-missed event, scheduled for the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, on the theme of "Architectural Heritage". [Read more]
The Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris is also an opportunity to discover places that are usually closed to the public. We've put together a list of places that will be opening their doors to the public on the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. [Read more]
This year, take a behind-the-scenes look at theOpéra Bastille! Located in the capital's 12th arrondissement , this sublime Parisian opera house boasts one of the largest auditoriums in the world: it can accommodate up to 2,715 people in a single auditorium! This"modern and popular" opera house, built under the presidency of François Mitterrand, was inaugurated in 1989.
It takes an entire company to bring this gigantic venue to life, and to support the exceptional shows that take place within its walls. Dancers, musicians, artists, costume designers, decorators, stagehands... All these professionals reveal some of their secrets during visits organized at the Opéra Bastille especially for these Heritage Days.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days 2025, the Opéra Bastille opens its doors and invites you to come and discover its backstage areas on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21. Please note that these visits are only available on registration from Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 2.30pm.
With its 2,715 seats, homogeneous acoustics, unique stage equipment, integrated workshops for sets, costumes and props, and work and rehearsal rooms, the Opéra Bastille is a major modern theater, a unique show production tool with cutting-edge craftsmanship and technology. During these exceptional visits, meet the men and women who work on the production of sets for the Opéra Bastille and the Palais Garnier.
Tours depart Saturday September 20 at 9:45, 10:15, 10:45 and 11:15 a.m.
Tours depart Sunday September 21 at 9.45am, 10.15am, 10.45am, 12.15pm, 12.45pm and 1.15pm.
Tour duration: 2h15
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Opera Bastille
Place de la Bastille
75012 Paris 12
Access
Metro lines 1, 5 and 8, "Bastille" station
Prices
Free
Official website
www.operadeparis.fr
Booking
www.operadeparis.fr
More information
Registration required
Journées du Patrimoine: history, dates and 2025 theme of this not-to-be-missed cultural event
Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris (75): full schedule of visits by arrondissement
Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris: must-see openings and exceptional tours
