Inaugurated in 1875, L'Opéra Garnier is the best testament to the work of Haussmann and Napoleon III. Their renovation of the city created the Parisian atmosphere shaped by luxury during the delightful period of "Belle Époque" which is encapsulated in L’Opéra Garnier.
Inspired by Greek art, but not really Greek… Inspired by Italian art, but not so Italian, L'Opéra Garnier is typical of 2nd empire period (1850-1880) with its distinctive mix of Baroque style with Neo-Renaissance architecture.
The construction of L’Opéra Garnier was an enormous undertaking. When they wanted to make the foundations, workers discovered that there was a secret underground part of the River Seine beneath.
In order to construct the Opera and regulate the pressure of water, they created a giant subterranean lake directly under Opéra Garnier's building.
Not only is there water swilling under the floor of Opéra Garnier, but above, the roof makes honey! Thousands of bees live on Opera Garnier's roof in two beautiful hives, gathering pollen from Tuilerie's Garden and Palais Royal's flowers ;)
But Opéra Garnier is not only both historical building and a honey factory.
You can go to Opéra Garnier to visit the Opera or to watch a ballet.
For more information about which shows are played in the Opera, refer to the schedule of Paris Opera: Opéra Garnier and Opéra Bastille.
What to see outside the Opéra Garnier:
- The golden statues
- The typical frontage of the 2nd Empire in the Baroque and Neo-Renaissance style
- The green roof
What to see inside the Opéra Garnier:
- The Grand Staircase built in marble of various colours
- The red velvet seats of the auditorium
- The Italian style Chagall's ceiling of the auditorium
- The Grand Foyer: where the public used to go during ballet intermission for a gentleman talk with ladies, a dance and a glass of Champagne.
The Opéra Garnier Grand Foyer is as astonishing as the Galleries des Glaces of Versailles's castle. - The library that preserves a record of 300 years of the Opera's past.
A sample of Opéra Garnier Paris:
How to Get to Opéra Garnier: Opéra Garnier 8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris
- M 3-7-8 Opéra, RER A Auber-Opéra, M9 Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette
Bus: 20-21-22-27-29-42-52-53-66-68-81-95
Vélib'(City Bike): 2014 Daunou – 2015 Louis le Grand – 9116 Auber
Noctilien (Night Bus): N15-N16 Opéra
- Maps: