The Grand Foyer, a hall 54 metres long and 13 metres wide was the gathering place for patrons before the shows.
Once inside, we took the option of a self-guided tour as it gave us more time to just wander at our own pace. There is also a bust of Charles Garnier, the architect who designed the building. This was specifically built as a private access via a double ramp for the Emperor and other dignitaries who did not wish to enter via the front doors. Make your way around here to see the beautiful doorway with its sculptures balustrades, doors, and columns. The sculptural group at the apex of the dome represents Apollo holding a lyre, Poetry and Music and is the work of Aime Millet.īronze busts between the columns represent famous musicians of the past such as Beethoven and Mozart.Īround to the left is the library and museum of the Paris Opera. The left group represents Harmony with Poetry on the right. Zoom in to see the two gilded figural groups by Charles Gumery. Those gold statues on the roof are magnificent. There is plenty of opportunity to get a photo of the entire facade of the building although it seems to be a favourite hangout spot.
I’ll begin with the exterior of the building – quite impressive in itself. Today Paris has a much newer opera house, but this one is still used for performances, houses a museum and a library and of course is open to public for tours. Sadly Napoleon III died before its completion. The project requested by Napoleon III (nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte), took 14 years to complete and was finished in 1875. It was used as the setting for the 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera.ĭesigned by an unknown architect, Charles Garnier, it was built by the finest craftsmen of the day. If you’re a lover of the arts, you must visit the Palais Garnier or Paris’ old Opera House.
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