Located in the historical district of the city, Opera de Nice is a cultural institution the reputation of which is substantiated by the popularity and appreciation of the artistic performances given here since the opening of the opera until now.
The cultural prestige of the institution is paralleled by the architectural and historical importance of the building. The current opera house was built in 1882 and inaugurated under the name of Municipal Theater, on the site of a former theater the history of which dates back to the mid 18th century. The current building was designed by Francois Aune in collaboration with Charles Garnier (architect of Palais Garnier in Paris and of the Nice Observatory). The eclectic exterior of the building is pegged out by two facades, whereas the interior decorations are majestically overtopped by a monumental ceiling frescoed with a work by Emmanuel Costa. Opera de Nice was declared a historical monument in 1992.