In a graceful pas de deux between architecture and design, the Paris Opéra is celebrating its 150th anniversary in a truly unexpected way, by debuting its first-ever furniture collection. Partnering with British brand Tikamoon, the historic institution steps into the world of interiors with a six-piece series that pays tribute to the elegance of ballet and the architectural contrast between Paris’s two iconic opera houses.
A Dialogue Between Past and Present
The Opéra collection draws inspiration from both the Opéra Garnier, known for its imperial grandeur and gilded interiors, and the Opéra Bastille, the more minimalist, modernist counterpart inaugurated in 1989. The result is a visual and material conversation between two eras: classic and contemporary, romantic and restrained.
French designer Charlotte Juillard helmed the project, translating the architectural and emotional language of these buildings into design elements, think gently curved silhouettes, contrasting light and dark oak finishes, and rhythmic lines that echo the poise and movement of ballet.
From Dressing Rooms to Living Rooms
The collection includes a full-length mirror, a side table, a writing desk, a coffee table, an armchair, and a wool rug, all made from high-quality oak and soft-touch materials. Each piece tells a story, the light woods and clean lines reference the Opéra Bastille’s glass-and-steel clarity, while the darker, more sculptural elements nod to the Baroque splendor of the Garnier.
Juillard also incorporated subtle balletic references, like cylindrical legs reminiscent of studio barres, and flowing shapes that suggest the fluidity of a dancer’s motion. These aren’t just furniture items, they’re poised, performative objects that bring a sense of theatrical refinement to everyday spaces.
A Collector’s Dream with Cultural Depth
For design lovers and ballet enthusiasts alike, this collaboration is more than just a limited-edition line, it’s a rare moment when two creative worlds intertwine. It’s also the Paris Opéra’s first official foray into furniture, making each piece part design object, part cultural artifact.
Whether you’re after a sculptural accent for your living room or a meaningful design piece with a backstory rooted in French art and history, the Opéra series is a celebration of movement, legacy, and the quiet drama of form and function.
Source: 77° Global Media Furnishings
