Opéra Bastille facts for kids

The Opéra Bastille is a very modern opera house located in Paris, France. It is found in the 12th area of the city, known as the 12th arrondissement. This famous building is a key place for music and performances in Paris.

It first opened its doors in 1989. Its creation was part of a big plan by the French President at the time, François Mitterrand. This plan was called the Grands Travaux, which means "Great Works". The goal was to build many impressive new buildings and monuments across Paris.

The Opéra Bastille quickly became the main home for the Paris National Opera. This is one of the most important opera companies in the world.

What is the Opéra Bastille?

The Opéra Bastille is a large and modern building. It was designed to be a new, accessible opera house for everyone. It replaced the older Palais Garnier as the main venue for opera performances. The building has a very unique and simple design. It uses materials like glass and steel.

A Modern Design for Opera

The design of the Opéra Bastille was chosen through a big international competition. Many architects from around the world submitted their ideas. The winning design came from a Canadian architect named Carlos Ott. His vision was to create a modern and functional space. It needed to be perfect for large-scale opera and ballet productions.

Inside the Opera House

The main hall inside the Opéra Bastille is huge. It can seat about 2,703 people. This makes it one of the largest opera halls in the world. The stage is also very big and uses advanced technology. This allows for complex sets and quick scene changes. There are also smaller halls and rehearsal rooms within the building. These spaces are used for different performances and training.

How the Opéra Bastille Started

The idea for a new opera house came about in the 1980s. President François Mitterrand wanted to make culture more available to everyone. He believed that a new, modern opera house would help achieve this. The project was part of his "Grands Travaux" program. This program aimed to build many important cultural sites in Paris.

The "Grands Travaux" Project

The "Grands Travaux" was a series of huge construction projects. They were started by President Mitterrand during his time in office. These projects included building new museums, libraries, and other public spaces. The Opéra Bastille was one of the most important parts of this plan. It showed France's commitment to modern art and culture.

Building the Opera House

Construction of the Opéra Bastille began in 1984. It was built on the site of a former railway station. This location is near the historic Place de la Bastille. The building took several years to complete. It was a very complex project. Many workers and engineers helped bring Carlos Ott's design to life. The opera house was finished just in time for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution in 1989.

The Paris National Opera

The Opéra Bastille is the main home for the Paris National Opera. This company performs many different operas and ballets. They bring classic stories and new works to life on stage. The company has a long history. It is known for its talented singers, dancers, and musicians.

Performances and Shows

Every year, the Opéra Bastille hosts many performances. These include famous operas like "Carmen" and "La Bohème." They also put on beautiful ballet shows. The large stage and modern equipment allow for amazing productions. People from all over the world come to see shows here. It is a truly special experience.