Opera Garnier
Charles Garnier was the' architect for an empire'. Completely unknown, he became the best-known artist in Europe in the 19th century. At just 35 years of age, he won the project to build a new opera house for Napoléon Bonaparte's nephew, who together with his wife Eugenia de Montijo, suffered an attack outside the old opera. This attack caused many deaths and injuries, resulting in the building of a new one in a more modern and safer neighborhood. After fourteen years of intense work, travelling all over France and Europe in search of inspiration, he finished it. Garnier improved his knowledge of ancient, classical and baroque architecture, achieving thus a completely eclectic work. To prevent potential fire, he introduced a metallic structure into floors, ceilings and walls. To break with the uniformity of Haussmanian buildings, he used different types of marble and mosaic to create an explosion of colors that transport us to antiquity and renaissance times. Inside you can admire the baroque scenery that will leave you breathless. Garnier made it from A to Z, from the smallest detail to the most spectacular one. Charles's opera conceals countless stories, events and anecdotes.
HIGHLIGHTS
Introduction of the Opera Garnier
Visit its gorgeous building
Life and work of Charles Garnier
Paris in the 19th century
Transformation of Baron Haussmann
History of the ghost of the Opera
INCLUSIONS
1.5 hour tour with Certified local guide
Groups limited to no more than 10 people
Electronic headphones needed to clearly listen to your guide
EXCLUSIONS
Entrance ticket to the opera - buy here (free under 12 years old)
https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier
MEETING POINT
Sculpture of the Dance of Carpeau, right side facing the façade
of the Opera, Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris
CAUTION
Please note that the access to the auditorium may be restricted or
forbidden due to technical and/or artistic reasons
Charles Garnier was the' architect for an empire'. Completely unknown, he became the best-known artist in Europe in the 19th century. At just 35 years of age, he won the project to build a new opera house for Napoléon Bonaparte's nephew, who together with his wife Eugenia de Montijo, suffered an attack outside the old opera. This attack caused many deaths and injuries, resulting in the building of a new one in a more modern and safer neighborhood. After fourteen years of intense work, travelling all over France and Europe in search of inspiration, he finished it. Garnier improved his knowledge of ancient, classical and baroque architecture, achieving thus a completely eclectic work. To prevent potential fire, he introduced a metallic structure into floors, ceilings and walls. To break with the uniformity of Haussmanian buildings, he used different types of marble and mosaic to create an explosion of colors that transport us to antiquity and renaissance times. Inside you can admire the baroque scenery that will leave you breathless. Garnier made it from A to Z, from the smallest detail to the most spectacular one. Charles's opera conceals countless stories, events and anecdotes.