The Royal Opera of Versailles is the main theater and opera house of the Palace of Versailles. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel and decorated by Augustin Pajou, it was built entirely of wood, painted to simulate marble using the faux marble technique. This elegant building is located at the north end of the nobles' wing, with public access through a two-story foyer.

The opera house opened on May 16, 1770 with "Persée" by Jean-Baptiste Lully, celebrating the marriage of the dauphin, the future Louis XVI, to Marie Antoinette. It can be transformed from an opera and drama theater seating 712 people to a banquet hall for 1,200 by raising the orchestra floor to stage level. Some areas, such as the king's apartments, are early expressions of the "Louis XVI style".

The creation of theaters at Versailles began with the salle de la Comédie in 1681, which served until 1769. Louis XIV also ordered a small theater in the Grand Trianon, destroyed in 1703. Versailles needed a theater for more complex productions, which led to the conversion of the Grand Manège into a space for elaborate spectacles. However, the construction of a large theater was halted in 1688 by the Nine Years' War, resuming under Louis XV in 1763.

Construction of the Royal Opera House began in 1765, using an innovative oval design that allowed for a doubling of floor space. The opera, designed not only as a theater but also as a ballroom and banqueting hall, was inaugurated in 1770. In 1789, a banquet famous for its political implications was held, the last event before the French Revolution.

Despite its excellent acoustics and opulent neoclassical design, with decorations depicting Apollo and the Olympian gods, the opera house was little used during the reign of Louis XVI due to high costs. The few occasions when it was used became prominent events of the time. The Royal Opera of Versailles remains one of the most remarkable theaters of the 18th century, exemplifying the richness and sophistication of French art and architecture of the time.