One of the late President Mitterand’s pet projects, this 3400-seat venue was intended to strip opera of its elitist airs – hence the notable inauguration date of 13 July 1989, the eve of the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille.
There are 75-minute guided tours of the building, which depart at wildly different times depending on the date – you’ll need to check in at the box office . Tickets go on sale 10 minutes before tours begin.
