Garnier Opera - National Opera of Paris is a popular theater house of Paris. This architectural excellence was built between 1862-1875 by Louis XIV. Architect Charles Garnier designed the opera and hence the theatre was named after him. Popularly known as Opéra National de Paris, it is probably the best opera company of France. The Opéra National de Paris was inaugurated on 15 January 1875. In 2000 the main facade of the Opera was renovated, to bring back its original richness and grandeur.
The National Opera of Paris is a large building, encompassing an area of 11,000 square meters. The huge revolving stage can accommodate almost 450 artists. The auditorium itself covers half of the total area with 2,200 seats. The rest of the space is used for keeping necessary devices and equipments.
The architecture of National Opera of Paris follows a baroque instance of neoclassicism. The big windows are heavily ornamented. The mansion features stylish stairs, Italian type halls decorated with Chagall paintings on the ceilings. The Grand Staircase is one of the most prominent features of the Garnier Opera.
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This staircase is made of colorful marble and leads to the foyers and the various levels of the auditorium. The library-museum has a vast collection of the Biblio-thèque nationale de France giving a detailed record of the Opera history for the past three centuries. The museum also conducts short thematic exhibitions round the year. There is a permanent gallery showcasing paintings, photographs, drawings and scale models of sets. The library-museum is in the Rotonde de l'Empereur at the west pavilion of the main facade.
The richly decorated foyers are the best space to stroll around during the intervals. A brilliant view of the Grand Staircase can be witnessed from these foyers. The Salon du Glacier is a rest room for the performers located at the end of the gallery. The Red and gold auditorium features a beautiful crystal chandelier on the ceiling of Marc Chagall. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium features an Italian concept with 1,900 red velvet seats.
The Garnier Opera - National Opera of Paris is not only an ideal place for experiencing French opera, but is considered to be one of the greatest architectural marvels of the country.
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