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Practical InformationTicket to visit the interior of the Palais Garnier in 1991 cost only 25 Francs.
A Bit of History
Built between 1862-1875, its architect was Charles Garnier.
He had been picked from among 171 contestants, and was relatively unknown
although he had won the Rome prize in 1848.
He was only 35 when awarded with the design of the new opera house.
The origins of the idea for a new opera house can be traced back as
far as forty years previous to 1820.
When construction was finally started, it was just as quickly suspended
after the discovery of an underground lake and spring. Although this
problem was overcome, the lake persists and lies beneath the cellars
of the building.
A large building, it has a total area of 11,000 square metres (118,404 square feet) and
a vast stage with room for up to 450 artists. The auditorium itself comprises roughly half
of the total space, most of the rest being used to house necessary logistical support
so that the stage demands of any opera can be met and even surpassed. This can include
live horses running on a rotating stage. The opera seats only 2,200.
Legend has it that the Empress Eugénie asked Garnier whether the building was to
be in Greek or Roman style to which he replied ``It is in the Napoléon III style Madame !''
It remains an ornate building richly decorated with friezes, columns, and winged
figures among other statues and embellishments.
This richness continues inside with velvet, gold leaf, and nymphs and cherubs.
The auditorium's central chandelier weighs over six tons, and its ceiling was painted
in 1964 by Chagall.
Your Cellphone in Paris
1, place de l'Opéra, 75009
01 40 01 80 52
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