A New Era, A Fresh Vision
French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati has announced a major restoration initiative for the Paris Opera, titled “Nouvel Air, Nouvelle Ère” (A New Air, A New Era). Running from 2027 to 2032, the project aims to modernize facilities, enhance accessibility for audiences and staff, expand openness to the public, and strengthen the institution’s international influence — shaping the Paris National Opera into an artistic hub for the 21st century.
The plan encompasses four key sites under the Paris Opera: the Palais Garnier, Opéra Bastille, the Dance School in Nanterre, and the Ateliers Berthier workshops.
CHANEL, a long-standing patron of the arts, has been the sponsor of the Paris Opera Ballet Season’s opening gala since 2018 and became its principal partner in 2023. The Maison will now support this landmark restoration, joining as an exceptional sponsor of the “Nouvel Air, Nouvelle Ère” project.
“This will continue to enhance the prestige of the Opera and the city of Paris for decades to come,” said Bruno Pavlovsky, President of Fashion at Chanel and President of Chanel SAS.
All four venues will undergo phased renovations between 2027 and 2032, including technical upgrades and sustainability features such as solar panels, green roofs, and energy-efficient systems. Select stages will close temporarily between 2027 and 2029, with new public spaces set to open by 2030 — allowing visitors to enjoy free daytime access, workshops, and cultural activities.
In addition to funding from the French government, the Opera’s own resources, and CHANEL’s patronage, BNP Paribas will also contribute to the project. Together, they aim to reimagine the Paris Opera as a new-generation cultural landmark — one that blends heritage and modernity, and integrates the arts into everyday life.
Through this renewed partnership, CHANEL reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Paris Opera and to the artistic dialogue that began over a century ago with its founder, Gabrielle Chanel, whose ties to the world of dance remain an enduring inspiration. The Maison continues to support the Opera’s artistic ventures — from the newly established Youth Ballet (2024) to costume design and collaborations with both established and emerging choreographers.
