The Palais Garnier, a 15-minute walk from the museum
Why the Two Go Together
Charles Garnier unveiled his Opera House in 1875, the very same year Henri Parent completed the Hôtel André. The two buildings are a fifteen-minute walk apart along Boulevard Haussmann, and they tell the story of the same moment: the Paris of the Second Empire completed under the Republic. A collector-banker and a state theater, the same year, the same boulevard. If you only have one day for this Paris, this is the pair I’d choose—and in this order: Garnier in the morning, since it closes early, then the museum afterward.
What the Ticket Includes
A timed entry slot, followed by a self-guided tour: the grand staircase, the grand foyer, the subscribers' rotunda, the Moon and Sun salons, the Glacier rotunda, and the library-museum. The exhibition “Ring Revolutions,” from October 27, 2026, to February 20, 2027, is included. Meet at the corner of Rue Scribe and Rue Auber; ID is required, and coat check and scooters are not allowed.
The multimedia guide on tablet is optional, and reviews are nearly unanimous in recommending it. Patricia: “lovely visit, but rent the tablet to get the full story.” Zoe: “the interior is stunning, and the audio guide was worth the extra.” Rio: “get the audio guide.” Shane, in September 2026, adds a caveat: “the Opera was incredible, had a bit of trouble with the tablet and the sound at first.” Gabriela notes, “ticket was very easy to buy, accepted without issue,” while Beste says, “got in without waiting.”
The Two Key Caveats
The first is the schedule. The Palais Garnier is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from mid-July to late August. It’s a tight window, which means you’ll need to start your day here. The second is the auditorium. Rehearsals sometimes close it without notice—you’ll still see the foyers and staircase, but not the red-and-gold auditorium. No one can guarantee access the day before. With a non-refundable ticket, you have to accept this risk, and I’d rather you knew upfront than after the fact.
What works
- A timed, skip-the-line ticket for a building you can easily explore on your own
- Most reviewed in my selection, with a steady 4.6 rating
- 15-minute walk from the museum via Boulevard Haussmann
- The “Ring Revolutions” exhibition included from October 27, 2026
Things to know
- Closes at 4 PM, 5 PM in summer: best done in the morning
- The hall may be closed for rehearsals without notice
- Non-refundable, ID required
- The tablet is optional but makes all the difference, according to reviews
Palais Garnier at 10 AM, walk west along the boulevard, lunch at a brasserie on the boulevard or at Le Nélie, then the museum in the early afternoon. On Fridays, save the museum for after 6 PM—the quietest time of the week, as I explain in the best time to visit.
Book a timed-entry ticket
For the rest of the day, the Haussmannian walk starts right at the Opéra and ends at Parc Monceau. And if opera interests you beyond just the building, there’s one that’s performed in the salons of the Hôtel André.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Palais Garnier and Jacquemart-André on the same day?
Yes, and easily. Fifteen minutes on foot via Boulevard Haussmann. Garnier in the morning, since it closes at 4 pm, then the museum, which stays open until 6 pm on weekdays and 10 pm on Fridays. See the opening hours.
Will you see the auditorium?
Not always. Rehearsals may close the auditorium without notice, and the ticket is non-refundable. The foyers, grand staircase, and library remain open. Reviews mentioning this are in the full review.
Is the tablet necessary?
It’s optional. Patricia, Zoe, and Rio all recommend it, while Shane had trouble with the sound at first. For Jacquemart-André, the museum’s app is free—see audioguide and app.
Where is the meeting point ?
At the corner of Rue Scribe and Rue Auber, on the side of the Opera House. An ID is required. To then reach 158, follow the boulevard west, as described on how to get there by metro.