Opéra Bastille built for the Bicentennial of the French Revolution
The Opéra Bastille was inaugurated in 1989 to commemorate the bicentennial of the French Revolution.
Designed by the Canadian-Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the Opéra Bastille complements the opulent Opéra Garnier, which is now exclusively dedicated to ballet.
That said, its somewhat contemporary design was not without controversy.
Some residents’ associations indeed objected to the project, fearing that its modern glass-and-steel facade, with its curved lines, would disrupt the historical charm of the Place de la Bastille.
The Opéra Bastille was built nonetheless, much to the dismay of its opponents!
The deliberate simplicity of its facade aims to create a welcoming, less intimidating atmosphere than the more ornate Opéra Garnier. Devoid of embellishment, such as sculptures, balconies, or gilding, it boasts a smooth and understated appearance.
Construction began in 1984 on the site of the former Bastille train station, which had been decommissioned in 1969. The building boasts a vast auditorium with 2,700 seats, all designed to offer high-quality acoustics. It is also equipped with a revolving stage system, providing great flexibility for performances.
A must-see for lovers of contemporary architecture. Others, stay away!
Directions: 12th District
Metro: Bastille on lines 1, 5, 8
Coordinates: Lat 48.851944 – Long 2.370556
