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Metro: Lines 1, 5, and 8 Bastille
Overall impression: I much prefer the classic beauty of the Opera Garnier to the cold impersonal ambiance of the Opera Bastille. Still, our visit to the Opera Bastille for a performance of Johan Strauss “Die Fledermaus” was pleasant.
One of the salient features of the Opera Bastille is an efficient stage capable of speedy assembly and disassembly (it seemed like seconds to us). It appeared to provide modern techniques and tools to facilitate the work of stage hands, directors and performers while at the same time allowing the public excellent viewing of the performance area.
In spite of a large imposing structure and a practical and modern building, the Opera Bastille seemed a bit anonymous to us. Our visit was affected by the muted colors and atmosphere that reigned the night we attended the popular opera. We felt removed from the performers and the soul of the opera house. It would benefit from an infusion of charm and warmth.
Other: Designed by a Canadian-Uruguayan architect and built with French blue granite, glass, Chinese wood and white Italian marble, the Opera Bastille is one of the largest opera houses in the world. Some consider it distinctive because it uses identical materials for the interior and exterior of the building. It is 80 meters (approximately 800 feet) in height. Its website had 140,000 visitors per month in 2003.When we were there, audience members who arrived late were invited to watch the beginning of the performance outside the hall on giant screens. Later during the intermission, they were able to find their seats. There were subtitle screens at the top of the stage so the audience could follow the lyrics of the opera. Smoking and cell phones were prohibited in the hall.
Owned: Nonprofit organization
Managed: Opera National de Paris which also manages the Opera Garnier
Established: 1989
Type of attraction: Modern opera house and performing arts center
Performance: Die Fledermaus
Size: It has 22,000 m2 of (approximately 220,000 square feet). Largest hall can seat 2703 spectators. The amphitheatre seats 500. A smaller hall seats 200.
Handicapped access: 0 140 01 18 50
Tours available: Through a third party (0 140 01 19 70)
Languages: French
Souvenir shop: During our visit, we only found an online souvenir shop at www.operadeparis.fr .
There is apparently an onsite boutique at 130 rue de Lyon, which is open from 11 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6 pm. A boutique located on the second floor is open on the nights of performances between 5 pm and 7:30 pm
Most recent visit: December 2003
Would you visit this attraction again: Yes
