Wanting to do something a bit different during our vacation, I got tickets for a performance at the Opera Garnier in Paris. We have passed this grand building so often, it was time to venture inside. I took my husband to see a ballet, and that was my mistake. He enjoys the opera, the ballet, not so much as I found out.
Later on I learned that Palais Garnier is mostly used for ballet and modern dance, while operas are performed at the Opera Bastille. Truthfully, I just wanted to see a performance at Palais Garnier, I felt that it would be the best way to see the building in all its glory. It was.
Palais Garnier was designed by Charles Garnier, it took 14 years to complete (1875). The statues on the top of the building are called Apollo by Aime Millet. The front of the building (photo below), is incredibly detailed and impressive. Fourteen painters, mosaicists and seventy three sculptors took part in creating its ornamentation. The top groups of figures on the left are Harmony and Poetry on the right. They were created by Charles Gumery, and are 25 feet of gilt copper electrotype.
The bronze busts located in between the columns are of: Rossini, Auber, Beethoven, Mozart, Spontini, Meyerbeer and Halevy.
This side of the building is called the Pavillon de l'Empereur - known as Rotonde de l'Empereur. It allowed the Emperor a direct and secure access to the building via the ramp.
Palais Garnier also houses the Bibliotheque -Musee de l'Opera de Paris (Paris Opera Library - Museum).
The white marble grand staircase features a balustrade composed of red and green marble.
It was surprising to see a very wide range of clothing worn by the patrons. Some people were dressed up and some came in tee shirts and sneakers. I'm not one to lecture, but a building of this magnitude really demands a bit more respect than showing up in even your finest New Balance sneakers and Metallica shirt.
The Grand Foyer, restored in 2004, is probably one most the most decadent rooms I have ever seen. Just gold and lights, and some more gold.
The paintings on the ceiling represent various moments in the history of music.
The Auditorium is a traditional horseshoe shape, and it can seat 1,979.
Originally, this ceiling was painted by Lenepveu, but in 1964 a removable frame was installed over the original. The stunning masterpiece that replaced the original was done by Marc Chagall, and it depicts scenes from various operas by fourteen composers like Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Wagner and others.
I love Chagall, it was really difficult to take my eyes away from the ceiling and focus them on the actual performance.
The chandelier which weighs seven tons is made of bronze and crystal.
Gaston Laroux drew inspiration for "The Phantom of The Opera" from an unfortunate accident when the chandelier's counterweight broke off, crashed through the ceiling, and killed an audience member in 1896.
The stage can accommodate 450 performers, it is considered the largest stage in Europe.
Palais Garnier can be visited mid July to early September between 10am - 5pm. Check their website for English tours.
Joanna
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