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Lyon Opera HouseLyon Opera House

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fritz
24675 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    26 %
    Off the path Explo rate
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    1.3 / 5
    Comments
    This Opera is very famous. Even in France. Could be much off the path!
  • Article Quality
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    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Very good description and tips Fritz!
    • Score
      4 / 5
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      Yes. Complete information, but no plan...
    • Score
      3 / 5
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      Yes, 3 pics.
    • Score
      5 / 5
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      Yes!
    • Score
      5 / 5
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      Yes!
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An interesting mix of classical and modern architecture by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel...

Explo History and Description: 

A first theater was built here by Soufflot during the 18th century. Nevertheless, the theatre soon became too small and the architects Chenavard and Pollet rebuilt a brand new one in a neo-classical style in 1830.

At the beginning of 1980s, out of age and not meeting the needs any more, the Opera must be renewed. A architecture competition is thus launched and won in 1986 by Jean Nouvel. The new Opera of Lyon is inaugurated in May 1993 and is now part of the international architectural heritage.

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Outside the opera house, Nouvel only kept the outer walls. He also dug new underground levels and added a semi-cylindrical dome that is used by dancers.

On the opera house front wall, 8 muses have been kept in place (Uranie, the 9th one was removed to respect the symmetry of the building).

Inside the opera, Jean Nouvel preserved stuccos, golds and frescoes of the public home, as a souvenir of the building such as it existed in the 19th century.

By contrast, the immense hull in carbon suspended of the room allows soundproofing and its black colour concentrate glance.

Do not miss to have a look at the green house : it is decorated by uncompleted painted ceilings (the painter had not been fully paid !).

Go on the terrace to admire the wonderful view on Lyon !

Shows from Monday till Saturday : 7.00pm, 8.15pm, 10.00pm.

My experience and personal tips: 

Group visits can be organized by appointment, in French and in English.
Rates (whole group) : 80 - 125 € (by group of 25 persons).
Booking : 04 72 00 45 48
frey [at] opera-lyon [dot] com

Individual visits : every Saturday at 1.00pm (in French) and at the demand (in English and German).
Rate : 9 € Reduced rate : 5 €.
Booking at the Tourist information office :
04 72 77 69 69.

Visits during summer :
In July : Thursdays and Saturdays at 5.00pm (in French and in English)
In August : Thursdays and Saturdays at 6.00pm (in French and in English) Rate : 9 €
Booking at the Tourist information office :
04 72 77 69 69
www.lyon-france.com

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How getting there: 
  • Metro : stations : Hôtel de ville, Louis Pradel
  • Bus : stops : Hôtel de ville, quai de la Pêcherie

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A tip to eat: 

Before shows : Amphiopera and bar du Grand Foyer

After : restaurant « les Muses de l’Opéra » : menu « main dish+dessert » 22€ (without beverage).

During the summer time (from the 16th of June to the 5th of September) : café-jazz « le Péristyle » , terrace , from 9.00am to 11.00pm. Lunch express formula : 12€.

A tip to sleep: 

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