Classical opera and dance concert halls Paris 9th 75009

The Palais Garnier was commissioned by Napoleon III and was one of the key pieces of the major renovation work carried out in the capital by Baron Haussmann. Charles Garnier was the architect. This sumptuous temple of lyrical art and classical dance was inaugurated in 1875 after fifteen years of work. It is admired as much for its architecture as for its programs. There is the famous double revolution staircase that soars under a marble nave of various shades - as soon as it opened, it was adopted by "good society" who liked to show off. The foyers are filled with sculptures and paintings. As for the hall, dominated by red and gold colours, it has a huge and legendary crystal chandelier - 8 tons! - and a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964. It can accommodate nineteen hundred people. A museum tells, through its collections and temporary exhibitions, three centuries of opera history. The institution is equipped with an orchestra that performs most of the works on the program. The Palais Garnier shares with the Opéra Bastille its productions of lyrical shows, but has remained a Mecca for dance. Some recitals and symphonic concerts are also on the programme.