The Paris Opéra plans to close the iconic 150-year old Palais Garnier in 2027 for two years for major renovation and modernisation works, the Opéra announced on 31 October, 2024, according to the Le Monde newspaper and other media.
The Opéra Bastille will be closed in 2030 for renovations also for two years.
The most important works are the renovations and modernisation of the stage structure and machinery of both theatres.
The closure schedules should allow the Opéra to keep either one of two theatres open and operatinal when the other is closed. The Opéra also plans to tour to elsewhere in France and other stages in the capital during this period.
The cost for the twin renovation works is estimated at at least €200 million by 2030, according to France’s state audit body Court of Accounts, Le Monde said.
Both theatres are aging and suffering from years of underfunding, Le Monde said, quoting the Court of Accounts.
