Urgent Renovations Needed for Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille: Cour des Comptes Report

The Cour des Comptes has highlighted an urgent need for renovations at the Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille, noting the French State's responsibility for their deterioration. A report released on October 24 indicates that both venues may face closures for up to 24 months starting in 2027 due to aging infrastructure.

While praising Paris Opera General Director Alexander Neef's efforts to restore financial stability, the report points to rising production costs and the high salaries of top positions, which total nearly 1.7 million euros annually—significantly more than those at the Comédie Française or Château de Versailles.

The Palais Garnier, despite ongoing renovations, suffers from wear due to excessive use, while the Opéra Bastille's condition is described as urgent, requiring major renovations for waterproofing, modern stage equipment, and energy compliance. The estimated cost for these renovations is at least 200 million euros, with work expected to begin in 2027.