The Grand Opera as seen from the Opera Metro. At 2000 seats, it was not the largest venue, but the area above the stage is tall enough to hold the Arc de Triomphe which is 59 meters tall.
The entree statue dedicated to Garnier. This was his first major building, his design was so popular they ignored his lack of experience. Due to the Franco Prussian War, the Opera took more than fourteen years to complete and was very over budget, Garnier was even forced to use non-French marble as foreign marble was less expensive.
Bronze lights surround the main entrance, electric today, they were originally gas lights.
This is the salon for the season ticket holders (just restored last year), they were given their own entree and a salon full of mirrors for the ladies to check and admire their ball dresses.
The private fountain at the base of the season ticket holders stairs-the bronze statue was designed as a reminder that while the outside World was both wicked and good inside the opera was a fantasy World of wonder.
To hide the entree of the natural gas lines to the main gas lights on the grand staircase, Garnier designed bronze salamanders to carry the gas in full view of the patrons. You can just see the bronze gas line in the upper left.
Collections of original set designs are on view, this is from the 1903 presentation of La Statue an opera from 1863 in five acts and seven sets, by Carre and Barbier.
The ceilings are covered in detailed mosaics of scenes from the classical era and select operas.
The tour includes a collection of costumes from the last 150 years of operas.
The grandiose grand salon.
The size of the grand salon and its beauty is breath taking. Oh to have seen this during the 19th century full of the ladies in their stunning gowns and gentlemen in their formal suits.
One of the double doors from the grand salon to the exterior balcony.
The view from the grand salon balcony is over my right shoulder.
Yes even the Phantom of the Opera has his name on his private box!
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