L'OPERA de PARIS (Garnier), Paris, France (I)
Opéra de Paris Garnier
The opulent Opéra de Paris Garnier was designed by Charles Garnier for Emperor Napoleon III. It is the most important symbol of the 19th century Second Empire baroque style.
Construction
Construction of the opera building started in 1862, but it wasn't completed until 1875, partly because an underground lake was discovered during construction. The small lake still exists under the opera building. It was the hiding place of the 'Phantom of the Opera' in Paul Leroux's famous play.
Palais Garnier
Since the construction of the modern Opéra de Paris Bastille in 1989, the majestic Opéra Garnier is now mainly used for ballet performances. It was also officially renamed 'Palais Opera'.
Even though the opera has a seating capacity of less than 2,200, the building is one of the largest theatres in the world by acreage. It is 172 meter long, 125 meter wide and reaches a height of 73,6 meter (564 x 410 x 241 ft).
The facade is decorated with rose marble columns, friezes, sculpture groups and two large gilded statues.
Location
The Opera de Paris Garnier is located at the Place de l'Opera, a square in the 9th arrondissement, just north of the 2nd arrondissement.
Excerpt from www.aviewoncities.com
L'OPERA de PARIS (Garnier), Paris, France (I)
Opéra de Paris Garnier
The opulent Opéra de Paris Garnier was designed by Charles Garnier for Emperor Napoleon III. It is the most important symbol of the 19th century Second Empire baroque style.
Construction
Construction of the opera building started in 1862, but it wasn't completed until 1875, partly because an underground lake was discovered during construction. The small lake still exists under the opera building. It was the hiding place of the 'Phantom of the Opera' in Paul Leroux's famous play.
Palais Garnier
Since the construction of the modern Opéra de Paris Bastille in 1989, the majestic Opéra Garnier is now mainly used for ballet performances. It was also officially renamed 'Palais Opera'.
Even though the opera has a seating capacity of less than 2,200, the building is one of the largest theatres in the world by acreage. It is 172 meter long, 125 meter wide and reaches a height of 73,6 meter (564 x 410 x 241 ft).
The facade is decorated with rose marble columns, friezes, sculpture groups and two large gilded statues.
Location
The Opera de Paris Garnier is located at the Place de l'Opera, a square in the 9th arrondissement, just north of the 2nd arrondissement.
Excerpt from www.aviewoncities.com