At the time of its inauguration in 1989, Opera Bastille stirred a few heated debates with its modern look, a gigantic geometric structure of glass, steel and granite. The opera house was commissioned by French president François Mitterrand to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was also intended as a project for bringing culture to the masses. The building was designed by a young Canadian architect born in Uruguay named Carlos Ott who won the international opera house design competition organized by the French state.

The main auditorium is large and can seat 2,700 people but it seems the acoustics is not the best. Still the stage and auditorium account for only a small portion of this huge edifice; the rest is used for decors and infrastructure. Beside the main auditorium there are two other smaller concert halls, one of them usually hosting chamber music performances.

Mitterand's project seems to have actually reached the masses as tickets sell out months in advance. Some of the best and most elaborate opera representations in Paris are presented here. Opera Bastille also hosts concerts and classic and contemporary dance programs. Box office is open Monday to Saturday 11am to 6:30pm

Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Metro: Bastille
Tel: 01-43-43-96-96
Fax: 01-43-73-13-74
http://www.opera-de-paris.fr