The Palais Garnier has always maintained a close relationship with political power. Initially a showcase for the imperial regime and later embraced by the republican authorities, it has witnessed French political history and served as a privileged venue for official meetings with foreign heads of state.

In the 20th century, it also bears the mark of the Occupation. This discussion revisits key moments in the Palais Garnier’s history and examines the construction of the Opéra Bastille in 1989.

Featuring:

- Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, Minister of Culture (2004–2007)

- Brigitte Lefèvre, Delegate for Dance at the Ministry of Culture (1987–1992), Director of the Paris Opera Ballet (1995–2014)

- Mathias Auclair, Director of the Music Department, National Library of France

- Jean-Claude Yon, Historian

- Isabelle Stibbe, Moderator

GRAND FOYER