When we were in Paris in May 2015 we crammed in as much as we possibly could because it was Jeff’s first time in here, and there are just certain things you must do your first time. Unfortunately we were not able to squeeze in Palais Garnier, so it was at the top of our list for our next trip to Paris.
Since our room wasn’t yet ready we had the perfect time slot to pop in and tour the Palais. It is located just down the block from our hotel.
It is called “Palais Garnier” in recognition of its opulence and its architect, Charles Garnier. The Palais Garnier has been called probably the most famous opera house in the world, a symbol of Paris like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, or the Sacré Coeur Basilica. This is at least partly due to its use as the setting for Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel “The Phantom of the Opera”. It is a nearly 2,000 seat opera house and was built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera. In 1989 the Paris Opera moved to the new opera house at the Bastille and Palais Garnier is now mostly used for the Paris Ballet.
When you enter you’re greeted by the Grand Staircase. As you stand there you can easily imagine Paris society assembling for the opera or ballet.
The lighting at one time was gas and so I’m sure there was a very flattering light in the Grand Staircase.
The hall itself is a beautiful multi-layer red velvet cake.
Towards the center of the photo, nearest the scrim at the first balcony is the famous Box 5. It was from this Box where The Phantom performed his evil deeds in The Phantom of the Opera.
When you look up your eyes are rewarded with a stunning Marc Chagall mural as well as the 7-ton bronze and crystal chandelier.
In 1896, one of the chandelier’s counterweights broke free and burst through the ceiling into the auditorium, killing a member of the audience. This incident inspired one of the more famous scenes in The Phantom of the Opera.
The real stunner, though, is when you walk into the Grand Foyer. Incredible. You get a little hint as you come around the corner.
And then you enter into this spectacle.
It certainly rivals the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
Just on either side of the Grand Foyer are two small rooms – one is called the Sun Room.
And the other the Moon Room.
For obvious reasons.
So much beauty all in one place. Simply breathtaking! If you haven’t been, go.
