Of the 171 architects participating, Charles Garnier's design was the unanimous choice, maintaining a clear picture of the internal functions of the building in its external architecture, Garnier created an Opera House and stage in the traditional Italian style, and in a grandiose setting, inspired both by the Grand Theatre in Bordeaux built by Victor Louis in 1870 and by the Italian and French villas of the 17th and 18th centuries. On 29 December 1860, an architectural competition was organized for the new opera house. The previous halls, since the foundation of the Académie Royale de Music, founded in 1669 by Louis XIV, had been either of temporary construction or had been destroyed by fires. In 1858, Napoleon III decided to build the Grand Opera, for which Paris had long been awaiting, in the new business quarter designed by Baron Haussmann.
The auditorium's central chandelier weighs over six tons, and its ceiling was painted in 1964 by Chagall. This richness continues inside with velvet, gold leaf, and nymphs and cherubs. It remains an ornate building richly decorated with friezes, columns, and winged figures among other statues and embellishments. 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 Napoleon III style Madame !'' The building, in the eclecticism and the exuberance of its decoration, is today seen as one of the symbols of the Imperial regime. 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. He was only 35 when awarded with the design of the new opera house.Ī large building, the Opéra National de Paris has a total area of 11,000 square metres (118,404 square feet) and a vast stage with room for up to 450 artists. Opéra National de Paris 8, Rue Scribe 75 009 Paris, France Tel: +33 (1) 44 73 13 99īuilt between 1862-1875, its architect was Charles Garnier.
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