Meeting between Napoleon III and Abdelkader El Djezairi in 1852

Salle Le Peletier

Salle Le Peletier Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of Salle Le Peletier

Located in the vibrant 9th arrondissement of Paris, the Salle Le Peletier was once the beating heart of the city’s operatic and ballet culture. Built in 1821 and tragically destroyed by fire in 1873, this iconic venue shaped the evolution of French grand opera, ballet, and stagecraft. Though the original building no longer stands, its influence persists through its successor, the Palais Garnier, and the rich artistic traditions that continue to thrive in Paris. This guide offers a deep dive into the history, cultural significance, and practical visitor information for those wishing to explore the legacy of the Salle Le Peletier today (Wikipedia; Opéra de Paris; Paris Opera Museum).

Oil painting depicting Felice Orsini's failed assassination attempt on Emperor Napoleon III in front of the Opera facade on January 14, 1858

Explosion of the second bomb under the imperial carriage

Interior of Henri Duponchel's bedchamber at the Opéra in troubadour style

Painting of a lively scene at the opera ball with elegantly dressed guests dancing and socializing in a grand hall

Illustration of Foyer de la danse at Salle Le Peletier opera house in Paris, 1841

Illustration of the last scene from Karl VI, 5 Act

Painting Le bal de l'Opéra by Édouard Manet from 1873 showing an elegant opera ball scene

Masked Ball at the Opera painting by Edouard Manet

Maskenball im Opernhaus in Paris scene from Meyers Universum Band 12

Historical depiction of the Opera Le Peletier in 1844 by A. Provost

Right side view of the front façade of Paris Opera House

Backstage area of the old Paris Opera (Salle Le Peletier) circa 1855

Lithograph of dancers and patrons in the Foyer de la Danse at old Paris Opera Salle Le Peletier in 1841

Lithograph of Paris Opera Grand Auditorium in 1860

Historic painting of Paris Opera house circa 1865 showcasing its architectural grandeur

Hand-colored engraved map of 1st Borough Faubourg du Roule in Paris with Church of Saint-Philippe du Roule and detailed city features

Map of 2nd arrondissement, Quartier de la Chaussée d'Antin in Paris

Representation of the Bayadères for the inauguration of the Opéra de la rue Le Peletier on August 16, 1821, depicting theatrical scenes from 1800-1869

Architectural drawing of Salle Le Peletier showing facade elevation on rue Lepelletier and longitudinal section designed by François Debret

1864 painting of the Grand salle of the Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique

1875 pencil drawing of the R. D. Athénée theatres on rue Scribe by Léon Leymonnerye

Drawing of the ruins of the Opera House on rue Le Pelletier after demolition in March 1875 by Léon Leymonnerye

Masked ball at the Opera by Gustave Doré

Entrance of the theater with metal awning and statues of the Muses on eight columns between first-floor windows, a workman loading scenery on a cart and a musician carrying a double bass

Origins and Construction
Architectural Features and Innovations
Role in Cultural Life
Political and Social Significance
Decline, Destruction, and Legacy
How to Experience Salle Le Peletier’s Heritage Today
Palais Garnier
Visiting Information
Nearby Attractions
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources

The History of Salle Le Peletier

Origins and Construction

After fire destroyed the previous Paris Opera house (Salle Montansier) in 1820, a new temporary venue was urgently commissioned. Architect François Debret was tasked with converting the Hôtel de Choiseul into a grand opera house: the Salle Le Peletier. Constructed quickly between 1820 and 1821, it became the Paris Opera’s home for over 50 years. Its 1,900-seat auditorium and large stage made it one of Europe’s leading venues, despite its wooden construction and intended temporary lifespan (Wikipedia).

Architectural Features and Innovations

The Salle Le Peletier was celebrated for its neoclassical façade, horseshoe-shaped auditorium, and superior acoustics. It was a pioneer in theatre technology: in 1822, it became the first major Parisian theatre illuminated by gas lighting, enhancing both safety and visibility for productions (Paris Opera History).

Role in Parisian and European Cultural Life

During its existence, Salle Le Peletier was the epicenter of French opera and ballet. It hosted the premieres of Meyerbeer’s “Les Huguenots,” Berlioz’s “Les Troyens à Carthage,” Gounod’s “Faust,” and the world-famous ballets “La Sylphide” and “Giselle.” The Paris Opera Ballet rose to international prominence from this stage, and the theatre’s grand opéra genre—marked by elaborate sets and effects—set standards across Europe (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Beyond the arts, the Salle Le Peletier was a social and political nexus. Its grand boxes were frequented by royalty and Parisian elites, serving as a gathering place for the influential. In 1858, the theatre became infamous for an assassination attempt on Emperor Napoleon III, prompting the eventual commissioning of the Palais Garnier as a more secure alternative (Paris Opera Official Site; Snippet of History).

Decline, Destruction, and Lasting Legacy

As the decades passed, Salle Le Peletier’s wooden structure became outdated and hazardous. On the night of October 28–29, 1873, a fire destroyed the building, and the Paris Opera moved temporarily to Salle Ventadour before inaugurating the Palais Garnier in 1875. While the physical structure is gone, Salle Le Peletier’s artistic and technological legacies live on through archives, museum collections, and the ongoing traditions of the Paris Opera (Paris Opera Museum).

Visiting the Legacy of Salle Le Peletier Today

The Site at Rue Le Peletier

Location: 12 rue Le Peletier, 75009 Paris
What remains: No physical traces or commemorative plaque remain; the site is now a typical Parisian street.
Nearest Metro: Richelieu–Drouot (Lines 8 & 9), Opéra (Lines 3, 7 & 8)
Access: The street is public and accessible at all times (hberlioz.com).

While the original theatre is gone, standing at the site offers a chance to reflect on its significance in Parisian culture.

Palais Garnier: The Living Legacy

Just a short walk from the former Salle Le Peletier site, the Palais Garnier is the grand successor and now the principal venue for the Paris Opera.

Address: Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
Visiting Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM; hours may vary on performance days)
Tickets: Approx. €14–€15 for adults; discounts for students, seniors, children (Opéra de Paris)
Tours: Guided and self-guided tours available in multiple languages
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with assistance
What to See: Grand staircase, auditorium, Grand Foyer, and the Opera Museum Library (Bibliothèque-Musée de l’Opéra) with artifacts from the Salle Le Peletier era (Paris Musées).

Nearby Attractions

Galeries Lafayette & Printemps: Iconic department stores with panoramic city views.
Musée Grévin: Paris’s wax museum, showcasing cultural and historical figures.
Passage Jouffroy & Passage Verdeau: Historic covered arcades perfect for shopping and dining.
Cafés and shops in the Opéra district: Experience the ambiance of 19th-century Paris.

Practical Visitor Tips

Combine Experiences: Visit both the site of the Salle Le Peletier and the Palais Garnier for a comprehensive operatic history tour.
Book Ahead: Purchase Palais Garnier tickets online, especially during peak seasons, to avoid long queues.
Accessibility: The area is well-served by metro and is generally walkable; the Palais Garnier provides ramps and elevators.
Photography: Permitted in public areas of Palais Garnier; restrictions may apply during performances or special exhibitions.
Safety: The 9th arrondissement is safe, but remain vigilant with personal belongings in crowded areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I visit the original Salle Le Peletier building?
A: No, the building was destroyed by fire in 1873. You can visit the site at 12 rue Le Peletier and explore its legacy at the nearby Palais Garnier.

Q: What are the visiting hours for Palais Garnier?
A: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the official website for updates, especially on performance days.

Q: Are there guided tours about Salle Le Peletier?
A: Guided tours at Palais Garnier include information on the Salle Le Peletier and the history of Paris Opera.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
A: Yes. The Palais Garnier is accessible; the surrounding streets are generally accessible though some older sidewalks may be uneven.

Q: How do I best experience the Salle Le Peletier’s legacy?
A: Combine a visit to the original site, attend Palais Garnier tours or performances, and explore archival exhibits at the Opera Museum Library.

Cultural Context and Events

Opera Festivals: Paris hosts festivals and events celebrating the Salle Le Peletier era.
Artistic Inspiration: Artists like Edgar Degas and Édouard Manet immortalized the opera in their works.
Historic Balls: The tradition of extravagant masked balls continues in Parisian culture.

Recommendations for Enthusiasts

Attend a Performance: The Palais Garnier stages world-class opera and ballet, much in the tradition of Salle Le Peletier.
Explore the Archives: The Bibliothèque-Musée de l’Opéra preserves a wealth of documents, costumes, and engravings from the period.
Take a Themed Walking Tour: Several guides offer walks focusing on Parisian opera history and the legacy of Salle Le Peletier.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Virtual Tours: Available on the Paris Opera’s website and other platforms.
Historical Images: See engravings and photographs of the Salle Le Peletier and the Palais Garnier.
Maps: Locate the former site and plan your route to nearby attractions.

Additional Resources

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Although the Salle Le Peletier no longer stands, its indelible mark on the world of opera and ballet continues to resonate. For those seeking to connect with this storied past, a visit to the Palais Garnier—replete with guided tours, museum collections, and live performances—offers a direct link to the innovations and artistry that flourished at Salle Le Peletier. The 9th arrondissement also provides a wealth of cultural and historical experiences, all easily accessible by public transit. For an enriched visit, purchase tickets online, consider guided tours, and explore resources like the Audiala app for audio guides. Through these experiences, the spirit of Salle Le Peletier remains alive for every music and history enthusiast (Opéra de Paris; Palais Garnier; Paris Musées).

Call to Action

Ready to immerse yourself in the operatic heart of Paris? Book your Palais Garnier tour today, download the Audiala app for in-depth audio guides, and follow us on social media for exclusive updates and tips on Paris’s cultural heritage.