The Louvre hosts a new Paris Opera Ballet show with a private tour in April 2026

In April 2026, the Musée du Louvre is set to experience a rare moment. The Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris will take over the square courtyard of the palace for a never-before-seen performance, coupled with an exclusive visit to the exhibition devoted to Michelangelo and Rodin. An event that combines dance, sculpture and heritage in an extraordinary setting.

A dance show at the heart of the world’s largest museum

On April 18 and 19, 2026, the Paris Opera Ballet will perform at the Louvre. This partnership between two major institutions of French culture promises an extraordinary evening. The star dancers move amidst masterpieces, in a dialogue between movement and stone.

This type of collaboration remains exceptional. The two companies wanted to create a bridge between the performing arts and the visual arts. As a result, the program was designed to offer an immersive experience, far beyond a simple performance.

Spectators first enjoy a privileged tour of thetemporary exhibition, then attend the choreographic performance. This double experience makes the evening accessible even to those new to classical dance.

“When dance meets sculpture, the gesture extends the material and the body becomes a work of art.

Michelangelo and Rodin come face to face in a major exhibition

The accompanying exhibition brings together two giants of sculpture: Michelangelo and Auguste Rodin. This unprecedented face-off explores the profound links between the two artists, separated by four centuries. Indeed, Rodin has always claimed the Florentine master’s legacy in his own work.

Visitors can admire pieces rarely shown together. What’s more, the scenography has been designed to highlight the tension of the sculpted bodies, a direct echo of the dancers’ movements. This thematic coherence gives the evening its full meaning.

Prices, access and practical arrangements for visitors

Three ticket formulas are available for this event at the Louvre. Admission starts at €22 for the exhibition visit alone. A combined ticket, including the show and the visit, is available at €44. A premium package, with privileged seating, is also available at €49.

Tickets are likely to sell out fast, as the capacity is limited by the configuration of the venue. It is therefore advisable to book as soon as the ticket office opens. Exact times will be announced a few weeks before the event.

• Dates: April 18 and 19, 2026
• Location: Musée du Louvre, Paris 1st
• Visit only: €22
• Combined show + tour: €44
• Premium rate: €49

People with reduced mobility will benefit from adapted access. On the other hand, no details have yet been given of any reduced rates for under-26s. Watch for official announcements in the coming weeks.

Why this event is out of the ordinary

The Louvre regularly hosts a wide variety of cultural events. However, the visit of the Paris Opera Ballet remains a rare and significant event. This initiative reflects a desire to break down the barriers between artistic disciplines.

Attending a ballet in front of Michelangelo’s sculptures creates an emotion difficult to reproduce in a classical hall. The palace’s architectural setting amplifies every gesture, every breath of the dancers. This alchemy between place and performance promises lasting memories.

A strong trend: when museums become living stages

For several years now, major museums have been opening their doors to dance, music and theater. The Louvre is no exception to this trend. These hybrid events attract a younger, more diverse public, often curious but intimidated by the codes of the traditional museum.

This type of programming also meets an economic challenge. Special evenings generate additional revenue and boost the institution’s media profile. In this way, culture wins on all fronts: artistic, social and financial.

For dance lovers and sculpture enthusiasts alike, this evening in April 2026 ticks all the boxes. It offers privileged access to two art forms, brought together in a venue steeped in history. Rare are the occasions to experience such an encounter between living gesture and beauty set in marble.

The coming weeks will no doubt bring further details on the exact cast of dancers and the choreographic program chosen. In the meantime, the curious can already mark these dates in their diaries and prepare their visit to the heart of Paris.

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