Trivia about Paris' Opera Garnier

Learn about how the Paris Opera Garnier inspired The Phantom of the Opera, its dazzling interior, and what was discovered beneath its floors.

By Go City Expert
Published: July 17, 2024
Opera Garnier

Quite possibly the most famous opera house in the world, Opera Garnier — also known as Palais Garnier — symbolizes Second Empire opulence. So much so that it was nicknamed the Palais Garnier, a name which has stuck over the years, overthrowing its original name Salle des Capucines. 

palais-opera-garnier-national-academy-music

Commissioned in 1861 by Napoleon III, Charles Garnier, the Opera house was nothing short of an architectural delight – no doubt influenced by the beaux-arts. With eclectic designs and extravagant interiors, the opera house was a hit. Complemented by top performers and prima ballerinas, the crowds came in hordes. The Opera Garnier Paris has inspired not only the arts but global architecture. Its distinctive style has influenced the design of other opera houses around the world.

The Paris Opera House is a beacon of culture

The Paris Opera House, another name for Palais Garnier, has long been a center of cultural excellence. Hosting numerous high-profile operas and ballets, it has become a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the performing arts. Its grandeur and architectural beauty contributes significantly to Paris's reputation as a city of art and culture.

Chandeliers and controversies

Interior of the Paris Opera Garnier

The famous chandelier hanging from the Opera Garnier's ceiling weighs a staggering 7 tonnes of pure bronze and crystal and was designed by Garnier himself. However, because it was so large, it was unpopular with some as it obstructed the view of those who sat in the fourth-level boxes and the view of the ceiling painted by Eugène Lenepveu.

Unfortunately, in the late 1890s, the counterweight of the chandelier burst through the ceiling, killing a member of the audience. This was comically drawn on in the famous novel by Gaston Leroux, Phantom of the Opera, which leant heavily on influences from the famous Opera House.

The Phantom of the Opera was inspired by the Palais Garnier

The Phantom of the Opera was written by Gaston Leroux in 1910. It was partly inspired by real events that happened at the Grand Palais during the late 19th century and a legendary tale about a ballerina’s skeleton being uncovered...

Now, the tale is more famously told in the form of a musical onstage, thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation. It’s a gripping tale of romance and mystery and well worth a watch – even if it’s only just a faint nod towards the Parisian influence.

A hub of grandeur and mystery

The Opera House Paris stands as a monument not just to the arts, but also to the mysterious and romantic tales that have swirled around it over the years. Its rich history and stunning architecture make it a place of intrigue and inspiration.

Grand designs

view-opera-national-de-paris-garnier

The Opera Garnier is a true masterpiece of “classicism and eccentricity”. Garnier himself described the building’s façade as having “perfect elegance” with a design that established a movement that was “boldly moving forward”. His main façade was designed as a theatre set, dedicated to lyric art with arcades and stone columns, and other elements of the building are adorned with elaborate carvings, statues, and sculptures.

The auditorium itself is a sight to behold – and will blow any other theatre or opera house you’ve seen before completely out of the water. This plush rich blood red and gold decorated seating area can house 2,013 people with undeniable ‘French’ elegance and opulence.

Interior of Opera Garnier Paris

Even the stage is a masterpiece and one-of-a-kind. At 60m high and nearly 50m wide, it is one of the world’s biggest stages. To put it to scale, the entire Comédie-Française theatre can fit within the Palais Garnier Opera House stage house alone.

10 Interesting Facts about the Paris Opera Garnier

The Paris Opera Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier, is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and art. Here are ten fascinating facts about this iconic building:

  1. Commissioned by Napoleon III: The Palais Garnier was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III as part of his ambitious project to reconstruct Paris. Despite the special private entrance designed for him, the emperor never attended a performance at the opera house.
     
  2. Architectural Marvel: Completed in 1874, the Palais Garnier is renowned for its Neo-Baroque architecture. It stands out for its lavish decoration, including the use of 30 different types of marble from various countries, making its façade and interior incredibly ornate.
     
  3. Historical Significance: During the Franco-Prussian War, the building served as a military warehouse. It was the most expensive building of its time and was one of the first opera houses in the world to incorporate electricity.
     
  4. A Long Construction Period: The construction of the Palais Garnier took an unusually long 14 years, attributed to the Franco-Prussian War and the complexity of its design.
     
  5. A Venue for Ballet: While originally built for opera, since 1989, the Palais Garnier has primarily been used for ballet performances, showcasing its adaptability as a cultural venue.
     
  6. Artistic and Cultural Significance: The opera house symbolizes the opulence of the Second Empire and has long been a center for the arts. Its elaborate decorations, ornaments, and frescoes reflect its cultural importance.
     
  7. Mysteries and Anecdotes: The Palais Garnier is shrouded in intriguing stories, including the discovery of a skeleton beneath the opera house and the existence of Box Number 5, famously associated with the Phantom of the Opera. Additionally, there's a superstition against saying the word "rope" within its walls.
     
  8. Unique Acoustic Qualities: The auditorium of the Palais Garnier is known for its exceptional acoustics, which contribute significantly to the quality of performances. This is a result of both its architectural design and the materials used in construction.
     
  9. A Hub for Artistic Innovation: Over the years, the Palais Garnier has hosted numerous premieres and groundbreaking performances, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of opera and ballet.
     
  10. Cultural Heritage Site: The opera house is not just a performance venue; it is a historical landmark that reflects the artistic and societal changes in Paris over the centuries. Its continued allure and grandeur attract visitors and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Paris with the Opera Garnier

The Paris Opera Garnier is not just a venue for performing arts; it is a historical landmark that has witnessed the evolution of Parisian culture and society. Its grandeur and the stories embedded within its walls continue to enchant visitors and art enthusiasts from around the world.

There’s no doubt that during your visit to Paris, you must see the Opera House. As one of the finest examples of Baroque style and complete over-the-top elegance, you can’t help but feel the luxury that Charles Garnier set out to achieve.

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