Located in the Place de la Bastille, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, the Opéra Bastille stands as one of France’s premier venues for opera and dance performances. Opened in 1989, this modern building is part of the Opéra national de Paris, alongside the iconic Palais Garnier. Boasting a spacious auditorium with approximately 2,700 seats, one of the largest in Europe, it hosts a vibrant calendar of opera, ballet, and concert performances each season, attracting a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
Designed to complement and modernize the offerings of the Palais Garnier, the Opéra Bastille was conceived as a hub for the production and dissemination of live performance. Equipped with state-of-the-art technical facilities tailored for grand opera productions, its architecture ensures excellent sightlines from every seat and delivers a balanced acoustic experience—whether for classic repertoire or contemporary works. Easily accessible and situated in a vibrant central neighborhood, it has become a key venue for experiencing the Opera National de Paris’s diverse programming.
The idea of establishing the Opéra Bastille dates back to the early 1980s, when President François Mitterrand tasked the Minister of Culture with creating a cutting-edge opera house in Paris to alleviate the scheduling demands on the Palais Garnier. Following an international competition, the design by Carlos Ott was selected, and construction began on the site of the former Bastille railway station.
The official opening took place in 1989, coinciding with the celebrations of the Bicentennial of the Revolution. Since then, the performance venue has primarily hosted operatic productions and dance performances in a space designed to provide excellent sightlines and consistent acoustics for all audience members.
The venue is steadily establishing itself as a key hub for live performances, featuring state-of-the-art technical facilities and integrated workshops that bring together numerous artists and technicians dedicated to stagecraft.
Opéra Bastille is one of Paris’s leading venues dedicated to opera and ballet. Its spacious auditorium, modern architecture, and diverse lineup of lyrical and dance performances make it a must-see destination for opera lovers and live performance enthusiasts alike. Located in a historic district, the opera house’s central setting enhances its appeal, providing visitors with easy access and serving as a perfect starting point for exploring more cultural gems across Paris.
Turandot: Puccini's opera directed by Robert Wilson
Turandot returns to Opéra Bastille from November 27 to December 27, 2026. Robert Wilson’s production is revived under the baton of Eun Sun Kim, with Elza van den Heever and Anna Pirozzi sharing the role. [Read more]
Festival Ring 2026: Wagner's four operas staged at the Opéra Bastille
The Opéra Bastille presents two full cycles of Wagner’s Ring from November 6 to 22, 2026. Calixto Bieito directs the staging, and Pablo Heras-Casado conducts this tetralogy, 150 years after its Bayreuth premiere. [Read more]
Pretty Yende in recital at Paris's Salle Gaveau
Pretty Yende headlines Salle Gaveau on January 30, 2027 at 8:30 p.m., with Anna Marchwińska at the piano. A recital of mélodies and opera arias, bookended by two Paris productions of Bizet and Donizetti. [Read more]
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Location
Opera Bastille
Place de la Bastille
75012 Paris 12
Route planner
Accessibility info
Access
Metro lines 1, 5 and 8, "Bastille" station
Official website
www.operadeparis.fr
