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.
Rusalka by Dvořák at the Bastille Opera: the lyrical fairy tale inspired by The Little Mermaid makes its return to Paris
The Bastille Opera House is hosting Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák, a cornerstone of the Romantic opera repertoire inspired by aquatic myths and the tale of The Little Mermaid. Running from May 2 to May 20, 2026, this production brings to life the tragic story of a water sprite willing to go to any lengths to become human, driven by love. [Read more]
Romeo and Juliet: Rudolf Nureyev's Ballet at the Opéra Bastille, a Fresh Take on the Classic Myth
A timeless classic of narrative ballet gets a fresh take... Rudolf Nureyev’s choreography of Romeo and Juliet, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s iconic score, will be staged by the Paris Opera Ballet at the Opéra Bastille from April 2 to May 12, 2026. This production vividly brings to life the tragic fate of Verona’s star-crossed lovers, reimagined with meticulous attention to the grandeur and detail of Renaissance Italy. [Read more]
Tosca by Puccini at the Opéra Bastille: a lyrical drama exploring love and power
At the Bastille Opera, Giacomo Puccini's Tosca returns in a production directed by Pierre Audi from March 12 to April 18, 2026. This iconic opera delves into a gripping moral dilemma set against the political upheaval in Rome in 1800. [Read more]
Carmen by Bizet at the Bastille Opera: A Legendary Opera Reimagined by Calixto Bieito
The Bastille Opera House will present Carmen by Georges Bizet in a production directed by Calixto Bieito, running from February 7 to March 19, 2026. First premiered in 1875, this iconic opera delves into themes of freedom, desire, and destiny through the story of Carmen and Don José. [Read more]
Siegfried by Wagner at the Bastille Opera: the third installment of The Ring of the Nibelung scheduled for 2026
The Bastille Opera House presents Siegfried by Richard Wagner, the third installment of The Ring of the Nibelung, in a production directed by Calixto Bieito, running from January 17 to 31, 2026. [Read more]
La Traviata at the Opéra Bastille: Verdi’s classic opera reimagined for the social media age
La Traviata returns to the Opéra Bastille in a contemporary production directed by Simon Stone, where Violetta transforms into an influencer caught in the contradictions of an ultra-connected society, running from June 4 to July 13, 2026. [Read more]
ImagOri: A poetic dance and musical story for children at the Bastille Opera
From January 7 to 10, 2026, the Opéra Bastille is inviting children to experience a short, enchanting dance and musical tale—an ideal show for the little ones, set in a dreamy paper-world landscape. [Read more]
And Op'! : a musical awakening concert and discovery journey for babies at the Bastille Opera
On January 14 and 17, 2026, babies are invited to the Opéra Bastille to explore the vibrant world of music through an interactive, sensory-rich musical awakening experience designed just for them. [Read more]
Ercole amante: Antonia Bembo's baroque Hercules between power and desire at Opéra Bastille
From May 28 to June 14, 2026, Antonia Bembo's Ercole amante makes its debut in the Paris Opéra repertoire, supported by an original staging and singular Baroque vocal writing. [Read more]
Nixon in China: John Adams' opera returns to the Opéra Bastille
From February 24 to March 20, 2026, the Opéra Bastille welcomes Nixon in China, John Adams' opera directed by Valentina Carrasco. [Read more]
A masked ball: passions, plots and disguises at the Opéra Bastille
The Opéra Bastille presents Giuseppe Verdi's Un bal masqué from January 27 to February 26, 2026, a lyrical fresco of forbidden love, betrayed loyalty and tragic destiny, set against a backdrop of disguises and conspiracies. [Read more]
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Location
Opera Bastille
Place de la Bastille
75012 Paris 12
Access
Metro lines 1, 5 and 8, "Bastille" station
Official website
www.operadeparis.fr
