L'Opéra Garnier: A History
L'Opéra Garnier: Where Gold Rules
The opera of Paris is a beautiful building that stands in the middle of one of the most expensive areas. And while outside is is highlighted with gold, the inside has obscene amounts, but I would say it's just right! So what's the story behind this magnificent building? |
| The Grand Staircase |
It is referred to as the Palais Garnier
While it's intended purpose was to be an opera house, it's grandeur made people call it the Palais Garnier after the person who designed the building. It was constructed in the mid 1800s. But not everyone liked it. Some considered it too simple, some considered it too influenced by its time. But it seems that the Palais Garnier has stood the test of time.It's grand staircase is iconic
The staircase is probably more recognizable than the theatre itself. People from around the world crowd the staircase trying to get panoramic pictures of it and the ceiling above. This staircase has been used as an influence for many other buildings as well. Did I mention all the gold?
Changes in government led to changes in names
Originally, under Napoleon III, it was supposed to be called L'Académie Imperiale de Musique. But after the emperor was gone, they changed "imperiale" to "national." This change happened mid construction, but they were able to change one word to show the end of an empire and the beginning of a republic.The Phantom of the Opera
The story of The Phantom of the Opera took place in this opera. The story started out as a book but quickly became a musical thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber. I wonder if I can see the musical at the opera. Hmmm...
You don't need advance tickets even in the busy season. You may have to wait a few minutes, but I went in July and waited ten minutes maximum, and that was the slow line.
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