The wonders of Opéra Garnier

A theatrical and architectural work of art, the Garnier Palace was built in the 19th century by Charles Garnier under the aegis of Baron Haussmann. Commissioned by Napoleon III, it was part of the major works intended to modernize the capital city. In 1861, when Charles Garnier submitted the plans for the new Opera house, the Empress Eugenie exclaimed: “What sort of style is that? This is neither Greek, nor Louis XIV or Louis XVI!” To which Charles Garnier responded: “This is Napoleon III”.

In order to successfully build the new Paris Opera house, Charles Garnier surrounded himself with the most skilled painters and sculptors of his time.

Main staircase with a decorative stone finishingA remarkable work featuring marble, onyx, mosaic and gilding

This is how this splendid palace made of gold and marble was born: the central staircase leads the public to the upper floors, a real show in itself before the curtain rises.

The ceiling of the loggia and its sparkling coloured mosaics with a gold backgroundOn the garden side, the Salon de la Lune; on the courtyard side, the Salon du SoleilThe Grand Foyer, its ceiling painted by Paul Baudry, is a meeting point for spectators

The Grand Foyer, one of the reception areas in the Opera house, was inspired by some of the most exquisite galleries of French Renaissance castles.

Marc Chagall’s superb ceiling above the stage and auditorium features famous opera and ballet productions.

<em>“My head and my hands are so absorbed by the third act that it wouldn’t be astonishing to see me change into a third act myself”</em>, MozartEntrance to the spectators’ boxes

“To us, comedy is entertainment of the mind, tragedy is entertainment of the soul and opera is entertainment for the senses”
Jean le Rond D’Alembert