Opera Bastille built for the Bicentenary of the French Revolution
The Opera Bastille was inaugurated in 1989 to commemorate the bicentenary of the French Revolution.
It complements the lavish Opéra Garnier, which is now entirely devoted to ballet, as it produces most operas and shows.
The Canadian-Uruguyan architect Carlos Ott designed the controversial contemporary building.
Several local residents associations indeed objected to the project.
They argued that the glass and steel curvilinear facade would ruin the appearance of the historic Place de la Bastille.
This facade is purposely smooth and plain to be less intimidating than the lavish Opéra Garnier’s.
It’s therefore devoid of any ornament, sculpture, loggias, balconies, columns, sculptures and gilding.
Construction began in 1984 on the site of the Gare de la Bastille, a railway station disused since 1969.
The Opera Bastille has a capacity of 2700 seats that all benefit from the same acoustic quality and an auditorium fitted with a system of rotating stages.
An interesting building to discover if you like contemporary architecture.
Directions: 12th District
Metro: Bastille on lines 1, 5, 8
Coordinates: Lat 48.851944 – Long 2.370556
