You Can Spend a Night in the Theater that Inspired The Phantom of the Opera

Fantasizing about a European summer vacation? How about Paris? And how about staying in box 37 at the iconic Palais Garnier, which inspired The Phantom of the Opera? Lodging company Airbnb revealed in a press release that it will celebrate The Phantom of the Opera’s 15-country run in 2023, including its final performances on Broadway, by giving fans of the musical an opportunity to stay in the opulent locale that inspired its story on July 16th.

The lavishly decorated Napoleon III-style structure’s “Box of Honour,” which is the largest and most exclusive opera box in the 1875-built theater, has been reimagined as an opulent bed chamber befitting a 19th-century aristocrat. Photos reveal that the space, which has an enviable head-on view of the dramatically curtained stage, is decked out with elaborate gilded furniture that matches the plush red carpet and brocade textiles lining the opera boxes.

Guests will also receive a tour of the Palais Garnier, including the legendary underground lake that served as the Phantom’s home in the famous story and is not open to the public. Other stops on the guided tour include private dance studios with city views, a “private ballet initiation” from an Opera de Paris Ballet dancer, an exclusive recital from the Paris Opera Academy, and dinner in the “Foyer de la Danse,” the backstage space where dancers rehearse that has been immortalized by impressionist painter Edgar Degas.

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The one-night stay is hosted by Véronique Leroux, the great-granddaughter of Gaston Leroux, who penned The Phantom of the Opera novel that inspired the musical adaptation. “My great-grandfather’s classic story has inspired so many people through the years,” she said in the press release. “This is the perfect time to honor him and welcome ‘phans’ to the famous setting of his much-loved novel for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.” 

The exclusive booking opens on Airbnb for up to two guests on March 1 at 12 p.m. ET and costs 37€ (in reference to the number of the “Box of Honour”) or $39.50. The stay will take place on July 16.