The Opéra Garnier is going to get a makeover. Attacked by pollution, thermal shocks, and the wear and tear of materials, the south facade of one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris will be entitled to restoration.
Initiated in October 2022 with the installation of the first construction sites, the works that the Opera will undergo are specified this Monday in a press release published by the Opera itself. Thus, the major operations should begin next April, to end at the end of 2024.
7.2 million euros of works
On the program: Cleaning, depollution, lead removal, replacement of damaged elements, restoration of gilding and sculptures, revision of the stone, marble and mosaic facings, gutters of the attic and those of the loggia. And to finish it off, the building will be given an anti-graffiti treatment and the installation of an anti-pigeon protection system. Just that.
All this work, carried out by the Opéra national de Paris and the Oppic (Operator of cultural heritage and real estate projects) will cost the trifle of 7.2 million euros. A sum partly financed by the advertising display which should flourish on the building during the works.
“Low nuisance” construction site
Good news for local residents, this work is part of a “low nuisance site” approach which limits the impact of the work on the environment, local residents and occupants of the premises, while ensuring the safety and comfort of the site workers. .
The Opéra Garnier, inaugurated in 1875, is not its first restoration. The latter is part of a major campaign launched in 2000 and which has already seen the North, West and East facades benefit from a refresh before 2017. In parallel with these sites, work will be in progress on the roofs of the stage and gutters in the public area.
Opera aficionados can rest assured that the Palais Garnier will remain open for the duration of the works and the shows, tours and shop will continue.