Opéra Bastille
Designed by architect Carlos Ott and inaugurated in 1989, this mammoth ultramodern facility long ago took over the role of Paris's main opera house from the Opéra Garnier (although both operate under the same Opéra de Paris umbrella). The fabulous acoustics of the steeply sloping, stylish auditorium have earned more plaudits than the modern facade. Like the building, performances tend to be on the avant-garde side. Tickets for Opéra de Paris productions run €15–€230 and generally go on sale at the box office a month before shows, earlier by phone and online. Once the doors open, "standing places" can be purchased for €10 from vending machines in the lobby, but you'll need coins or a credit card (no bills) and patience to snag one, as the lines are long. The opera season usually runs September through July; the box office is open Monday through Saturday 11:30–6:30 and one hour before curtain call. If you just want to look around inside, you can also buy tickets for a 90-minute guided tour (in French only) for €20.
