Get ready, Phantom of the Opera fans. You're in for a treat.
For one night only, AirBnB is giving one lucky guest and their plus-one a chance to stay at the famous Paris theatre that inspired the Broadway show as it closes in New York after 35 years.
Some consider the Palais Garnier the most famous opera house in the world. The theater was originally called Salle des Capucines, named after the famous boulevard Boulevard des Capucines in the ninth district of Paris. Eventually, it was renamed after its architect, Charles Garnier and was made an official landmark in 1923.
What makes the theatre even more special is its relationship to Gaston Leroux, the writer of the original Phantom of the Opera book back in 1909. Since then, his book has had many stage and film adaptations. The most well-known version is Andrew Lloyd Weber’s 1986 film adaptation.
A draw will take place on March 1, 2023, at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Airbnb. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be at least 18 years old, have a verified Airbnb profile, and have a proven track record on the platform to be eligible. If selected, the stay will take place on July 16, 2023 and cost US$40.
The lucky winner will sleep inside the most exclusive seat in the house: The Box of Honour. With a view of the stage, the Box of Honour – an opera box which was often used by visiting dignitaries – has been transformed into an opulent red and gold-gilded bedroom, complete with a lush king-sized bed and stunning artwork.
The Box of Honour offers visitors the opportunity to see the theatre’s beauty and architecture. Fans will receive a private tour of the Palais, explore private archives and the story's “underground lake” (a.k.a. the water tank beneath the Palais), home of the famed Phantom. They will also get to see an exclusive recital by artists from the Paris Opera Academy, along with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Before the recital, an intimate dinner will take place in the historic and secluded Foyer de la Danse, where dancers warm up before they take the stage.
This upcoming offering celebrates the 35th anniversary of the iconic musical, which will travel to 15 countries throughout 2023, including a final Broadway performance on April 16, after nearly 14,000 performances in the Big Apple.
“My great-grandfather’s classic story has inspired so many people through the years,” said Véronique Leroux, great-granddaughter of the French novelist and your host for the festivities, in a press statement. “This is the perfect time to honour him and welcome ‘phans’ to the famous setting of his much-loved novel for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.”
The promotion is part of Airbnb's initiative to revitalize and restore heritage stays across Europe. Airbnb will support the restoration of theater boxes and assist with the development of the Opera's new streaming platform.
