It was built by Charles Garnier under the decision of Napoleon III of France. It opened its doors the 15th of January of 1875 during the III Republic.
The creation suffered a couple of interruptions: in 1870 by the commune and later by the discovery of caves with underground water during excavations.
In 1985 the Opera changed its name to the Dance Palace because the opera presentations took place in the Bastille Opera.
Nowadays ballet shows take place there. The Opera has a great salon for variety shows of red and gold colored and has more than 2200 seats. It also has a main staircase with a rococo style and rest saloons with majestic mirrors.
This place inspired Gaston Leroux to write his novel “The Phantom of the Opera” that was later performed in a musical and in many movies.
The building was a prestigious place where aristocracy and bourgeoisie gathered to show off.
There are temporary expositions during the whole year and a permanent gallery that shows paints and draws being dance the main theme.
