The Opera Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier or Opera de Paris, is one of the most characteristic buildings of the XIX District of Paris and the urban landscape of the French capital. Napoleón III ordered its construction to the architect Charles Garnier, who designed it in Empire Style.
Since its inauguration in 1875, the opera was officially called the National Academy of Music-Opera Theater. He retained his title until 1978, when it was renamed the National Opera Theater in Paris. In 1989, the Opera Company moved its headquarters to the recently built Bastille Theater and its old headquarters was named Garnier Palace, where the National Academy of Music remains. In spite of the change of official name and the transfer of the Company of the Opera, the Garnier Palace continues being known popularly by the name of Opera of Garnier in Paris.
