Opéra national de Paris
Among the world’s leading institutions for opera and ballet, the illustrious Opéra national de Paris unites artistic heritage, musical excellence and choreographic tradition at the heart of France’s cultural life.
One of the world’s oldest opera companies
Rolex has been an Official Partner and Timepiece of the Paris Opera since 2014, an association that reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to the world's greatest artistic institutions and its dedication to excellence in culture and performance.
With more than 350 years of history, the Opéra national de Paris is renowned for its world-class performances and extensive repertoire, as well as for its tradition of transferring artistic values from one generation to the next. The architecture of its opera houses, the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille, has made them icons of international opera and ballet.
The opulent Palais Garnier – built between 1861 and 1875 and designed by architect Charles Garnier – is a shining example of the decorative style of its time and one of the most celebrated buildings in the world. In 1989, the new Opéra Bastille, embodying the latest developments in contemporary architecture, joined the historic Palais Garnier as part of the Opéra de Paris, which became the Opéra national de Paris in 1994. The two contrasting venues combine Parisian tradition and modernity in one institution.
Attracting new audiences
With more than 400 curtain-raises each year and a global reputation for innovation and outstanding creativity, the Opéra national de Paris offers a spectacular range of international ballet, opera and concert productions of technical distinction, as well as performances created for younger audiences.
The company, which draws almost 900,000 spectators each year, is firmly committed to making works from its operatic and choreographic heritage available to as many people as possible and to promoting the creation and performance of new productions.
It also contributes to the transmission of artistic knowledge through the professional development of singers and dancers via its academies, educational programmes and international collaborations.
Since 2023, Rolex has supported ADO, the Opéra’s first lyric Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir, which encourages students aged 12 to 18 to develop their musical training and discover the opera and ballet repertoires.
Rolex Testimonees Juan Diego Flórez, Benjamin Bernheim, Jonas Kaufmann, Sir Bryn Terfel, Sonya Yoncheva, Rolando Villazon, Gustavo Dudamel, Yuja Wang, Yannick Nézet-Séguin regularly perform at the Opéra national de Paris.