Paris is a city rich in history, culture and spaces dedicated to art. In it we can find incredible theaters, fascinating museums, priceless monuments and, of course, the unique Opera Garnier. This is one of the most recognizable buildings in the French capital, as well as one of its most visited cultural centers.
After the French Revolution, when Imperial France was established under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, the construction of numerous buildings was ordered. Most were designed to represent the power of the emperor, while others were intended to become symbols of European culture.
One of those places was the Opera Garnier, which began to be built in the year 1860 in Paris. During its beginnings, the building of the Opera had good financing, so it advanced quickly.
However, the political instability that France was experiencing at that time, as well as the fragility of the land on which it was being built, stopped the project on different occasions.
Finally, the Opera Garnier was inaugurated in 1875, in a majestic and solemn event. No expense was spared in terms of decoration, so the Opera is an exquisitely ornate building, with large paintings, gilded pillars, immense lamps, enormous halls, imposing staircases and many other details that make this theater a true palace.
Today, the Opera Garnier continues to offer first-rate shows and theater pieces. It is worth attending to see some of their most wonderful performances.
However, the greatest attraction of the Opera is the building itself. This one is incredibly opulent, and its large size contrasts with how small its main room is. It should be borne in mind that the Opera Garnier, in addition to being a cultural center, was also a space for social encounters.
Similarly, the Opera Garnier brings together many fans of literature and musicals. Not only because different works are presented here, but it was the place of inspiration for the popular novel, The Phantom of the Opera. Similarly, the building has been featured in television series, movies, and commercials.
Without a doubt, the Opera Garnier, also known as the Paris Opera, is a space full of art, beauty and opulence. It seems to have everything, and on its walls we can find from statues of ancient Greek gods to a library open to the public.
If you are passing through the French capital, point to the magnificent Opera Garnier in your travel plan.
The Garnier Opera is not only an architectural jewel, but also a place full of fascinating anecdotes and curiosities. Underneath its structure is an artificial subway lake, built to stabilize the foundations of the building.
On the roofs of the Garnier Opera, five beehives have been installed for more than 30 years, housing between 25,000 and 50,000 bees. These creatures forage around the Tuileries gardens, the Champs Elysées and the Invalides.
On the main floor is a large chandelier made of bronze and crystal that weighs 7 tons. During a performance of Faust in 1896 the huge chandelier fell on the audience and a woman sitting on seat 13 lost her life.
Box number 5, known as the “Phantom of the Opera Box” is shrouded in mystery thanks to the novel by Gaston Leroux. Although the story is fictional, it remains one of the attractions for visitors to the Opera.
As you might expect, the Opera Garnier is a highly sought-after tourist site, with thousands of visitors arriving each year as intrigued as they are fascinated.
If you want to take a walk through this palace, you can go with a guide, who will explain its history and take you through its different rooms. But you also have the option to do the tour on your own, and go through the spaces that most attract you.
The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes, it is available in French and English. Self-guided tours last longer, and interested tourists can download an audio guide detailing their walk through the Garnier Opera.
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