The Opéra de Lyon, also widely known as Opéra Nouvel, stands as a captivating blending of historical charm and modern architectural vision in Lyon, France. Serving as the home of the Opéra National de Lyon, the site originally opened in 1756 as the Grand Théâtre, designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot. After being rebuilt in 1831 by Antoine-Marie Chenavard and Jean-Marie Pollet, the city commissioned renowned French architect Jean Nouvel in 1985 to dramatically redesign the building.
Working alongside acoustician Peutz and scenography agency dUCKS scéno, Nouvel executed an architectural tour de force between 1985 and 1993. When you visit, you will see how the historic 1831 exterior façade and original foyer were preserved while the interior space was tripled. Outside, you can admire the striking steel and glass barrel vault rising above the historic shell, doubling the building's height to conceal the fly tower and house the ballet company.
Inside, you will find an Italian-style, horseshoe-shaped auditorium featuring tiers of boxes, alongside subterranean rehearsal spaces excavated beneath the ground. It is an extraordinary destination where 19th-century history is seamlessly wedded to modern innovation.
What to see at Opéra Nouvel
- Distinctive steel and glass barrel vault doubling the original building height
- Preserved 1831 historic exterior façade and original foyer
- Classic Italian-style horseshoe-shaped auditorium with tiered boxes
- Subterranean rehearsal spaces excavated directly below ground
- Architectural redesign by celebrated French architect Jean Nouvel
Visiting tips
Be sure to step back from the exterior to appreciate how Jean Nouvel's modern steel and glass vault sits atop the preserved 1831 shell.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Opéra Nouvel is easy to reach on Lyon’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon and amphitheater of Lyon. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lyon travel guide.
See the full Lyon travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.