The Opera Garnier, often simply called the Grand Opera, is not just a theatre but one of the most famous and luxurious symbols of Paris from the Second Empire era. This is a building where art meets architectural splendor, and behind the scenes, legend has it, a mysterious underground lake lies hidden.
History
The need for a new opera house arose for two reasons: the old theatre on Rue Le Peletier was no longer suited to the capital`s status, and an assassination attempt on Emperor Napoleon III had occurred right at the entrance of the old opera. He desired his own, secure, and incredibly luxurious theatre.
Who built it: In 1861, a competition was announced, won by the then-unknown 35-year-old architect Charles Garnier. His project stunned the committee with its boldness and scale.
Construction: The build lasted 15 years (from 1861 to 1875) and faced enormous difficulties: marshy soil, the Franco-Prussian War, the fall of the Empire, and the Paris Commune. Garnier had to fight for every element of his design.
Opening: The official opening took place on January 5, 1875. Upon entering, the audience was immediately stunned by the magnificence. Empress Eugénie is said to have asked Garnier, "What is this style? It is not Louis XIV, nor Louis XV, nor Louis XVI!" To which the architect boldly replied, "It is the style of Napoleon III, Madame!" He was right – it became a canonical example of the "Beaux-Arts" style, a synthesis of Baroque, Renaissance, and Classicism with an abundance of decoration.
Architecture and Interiors
While the exterior of the building impresses with its scale and sculptural groups, the true magic awaits inside.
Vestibule and Grand Staircase: This is the heart of the theatre. Made of white marble with onyx, adorned with gilding and majestic candelabras, the staircase splits into two flights leading to the different levels. In times past, equally important performances took place here – social gatherings where the aristocracy displayed their finery and status.
Auditorium: It seats about 1,900 people. The ceiling of the hall, shaped like a crown, was originally painted by Marc Chagall in 1964. This work was controversial as it covered the original fresco, but today it is a masterpiece in its own right. Depictions of scenes from famous ballets and operas by Parisian composers seem to float above the spectators` heads.
Grand Foyer: This is even more stunning than the auditorium. It is a vast gallery with mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and ceiling paintings by Paul Baudry, reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. This is where the audience strolls during intermissions.
The Mysterious Lake: There is indeed a water reservoir beneath the opera house. During construction, Garnier could not completely drain the groundwater. This fact, along with the gloomy vaults of the basement, inspired Gaston Leroux to write the novel "The Phantom of the Opera" (1910). Today, this lake is used by Paris fire brigades for training exercises.
What is it known for and what is performed there?
"The Phantom of the Opera": The main cultural legend of the theatre. The story of a mysterious genius living in the dungeons and in love with the young ballerina Christine Daaé is known worldwide. Tours of the Opera always touch upon this theme in some way.
Ballet: The Paris Opera is the home of the world-renowned ballet company Ballet de l`Opéra de Paris, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. It stages both classical masterpieces ("Giselle," "Swan Lake," "The Sleeping Beauty") and contemporary works.
Opera: Although the main opera productions are now held at the Opéra Bastille, the Palais Garnier still hosts chamber opera performances, symphony concerts, and those experimental works that perfectly suit the intimate, luxurious atmosphere of this hall.
What is interesting for tourists?
Building Tours: Even if you don`t attend a performance, be sure to visit the Palais Garnier on a tour. You can leisurely examine all the interiors, visit the boxes, and learn the history from the inside. Tickets can be purchased online.
Attending a Performance: This is a unique experience. Listening to a concert or watching a ballet in such a historical and richly decorated hall is an immersion into another era. The dress code is not strict today, but many spectators still dress up, maintaining the spirit of grandeur.
Library-Museum of the Opera: A small museum located in the building`s western pavilion houses set designs, costumes, archival photographs, and models recounting the three-century history of the Paris Opera.
What is nearby?
The Palais Garnier is located in the 9th arrondissement, in the heart of Paris:
• Galeries Lafayette and Printemps: Legendary department stores and luxury shopping arcades are literally just a few steps away.
• Boulevard des Capucines: One of the Grands Boulevards, leading to the Place de la Concorde.
• La Sainte-Trinité Church: Another interesting example of 19th-century architecture.
• Gare Saint-Lazare: The famous railway station painted numerous times by the Impressionists.
The Palais Garnier is a fascinating attraction even for those far removed from the world of opera and ballet. A visit to the Opera is a journey into the world of art, legends, and Parisian history that will stay with you forever.
