Palais Garnier - des illuminations

Palais Garnier

illumination

From the grand staircases to the illustrious sconces and lights, 

Palais Garnier is the place of dreams.

Do not forget to dream...

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra

75009, Paris

Palais Garnier - colonne rostrale

The rostral columns of Palais Garnier

The entrance to Pavillon du Chef de l'Etat (House of the Head of State),
which was turned into the Musée de Opéra on the western facade
of Opéra National de Paris Garnier,
is framed by two granite columns by Henri Alfred Jacquemart,
adorned with lamps and the masts of ships. 
The bows of the four ships appear to have eyes.


Although other portions of this exquisite heritage site
have been restored since it was built in 1875,
the ceinture de lumière (belt of light) encircling the building has not. 
Earlier this year an appeal was made to the public
to adopt one of the 22 lampadaires, 2 candélabres, 22 cariatides, and 14 columns. 
The details of the rostral columns and the musical instrument-themed street lamps
on the opposite side of the opera house are stunning.


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Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

Palais Garnier - XIII

Palais Garnier

On every visit to this Beaux-Arts opera house one can make new discoveries.  

Just look at the art and detail applied to the lamps surrounding this building.

I think that the Phantom would be pleased 

to see the repeating patterns of music symbols.

Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

Palais Garnier - La Salle de Spectacle

Palais Garnier

La Salle de Spectacle

Walking in through a hallway door into the richly adorned theatre

one is amazed at the opulence.   

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra

75009, Paris

Métro Opera



Palais Garnier - The Grand Foyer

The opulence of Palais Garnier defies description.  This tourist shot does at least give one an idea of the scale and size of this Beaux-Arts opera house.  I will be returning here next week to feel the music in every crevice, to imagine the famous dancers who have graced her stage, to appreciate the barely-known architect who created her.

To me it is like so much of Paris.  One cannot truly grasp the whole with a single visit, and I want to see it again with the fresh eyes of my husband who will be making his first trip to Paris.  We will be there next week.

Virginia (Paris Through my Lens), a dear friend and fellow traveler to Paris, sent me a link to this marvelous 25 minute documentary on the story and building of Palais Garnier.  I think that you will not be able to stop once you start.

bon weekend

Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

(For more Weekend Reflections, click here for James' wonderful collection of participants)

Palais Garnier - Illumination

Always look "up" or you might miss something spectacular like this...


Le Grand Escalier (The Grand Staircase)
Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier

At Palais Garnier, home of Opéra de Paris, the Grand Staircase will take your breath away with its opulence. Two larger-than-life gilt statues dominate the entrance to the ampitheatre.

Inaugurated in 1875, the architect of this magnificent building, Charles Garnier, was a previously unknown 35 year-old. I will bring you here again...

Ballerinas at Palais Garnier

On a snowy day we found this trio of ballerinas at Palais Garnier...