Monday, August 27, 2012

Palais Garnier - VI



Palais Garnier is a monumental display of architecture and intricate details.  Built between 1860 and 1875 by Charles Garnier, an unknown 35-year-old architect, it was part of the great Parisian reconstruction project of Baron Haussmann.  The abundance of gilt and carvings are over the top, but the wealth of photo opportunities makes my heart sing.  


(Have you seen L'Intouchable with Omar Sy and François Cluzet?  
I saw it last week and loved the scene at Palais Garnier.) 


Palais Garnier
place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris
Métro Opéra

19 comments:

Sylvia K said...

And they make my heart sing as well! Marvelous captures of such amazing beauty! Thanks for sharing it with us, Genie! Hope you have a great week!

Hugs
Sylvia

PeterParis said...

Amazing in its details, which you so well clearly observed! However, the building was obviously not quite appreciated by everybody in the beginning. It seems that Garnier was not even invited to the inauguration!

Pat said...

I loved the film and the opera scene, too.

Opera Garnier is indeed beautiful inside and out.

Joe said...

We are fortunate that such craftsmanship has been preserved. Such intricate workmanship. It's beautiful. Ballerina's pirouetting around a stage.

M said...

Oh,my! Over-the-top is certainly an à propos description of those magnificent columns! Lovely, elegant beginning to the week!

Sketchbook Wandering said...

Oh là là, so intricate! I've not yet been inside, but when I go I will think of you & your heart singing!

Kristie said...

Oh my, these columns are stunning. The architectural detail is beautiful. I've yet to see a building in Paris that is without beauty.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Just watched the preview Genie, looks fantastic..this will definitely be on my 'must see' list, and if it means seeing Palais Garnier, even more reason.

arabesque said...

yup, love that movie,
at first, i thought it was a sad ending,
was it the part where they were watching the german opera? ^0^
lovely details in this foto btw.

Rob Siemann said...

Saw the movie 2 months ago, absolutely loved it!
Genie, check out our blog tomorrow, we've sent you an invite...

Alexa said...

Love the way you zero in on the details of this sublime building, Genie.

Loree said...

What splendid architecture!

Randy said...

What wonderful details.

Virginia said...

One day I'll find my way inside I hope!
V

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

V, we can go together as I cannot get enough of this place.

To all who have not seen the movie, it is in French with English subtitles. During the opera scene filmed here, I was howling with laughter.

Rob and Mandy, I will visit you tomorrow. Merci!

arabesque, you are right about the scene. I thought that the ending was nicely done... very French.

Joe, the majority of the operas in Paris are performed at Bastille with many/most of the ballet's performed here at Garnier. The grand hall is stunning.

Peter, you are right. I did find it amazing that this magnificent structure was conceived of and completed by an unknown in a period of less than 15 years. The building is too large for where it sits and many structures were removed to "fit" this in place.

I will have more photos of large places and small details from Palais Garnier.

Bises,
Genie

Joe said...

Hi Genie. I had no idea that ballets were performed at Garnier. Isn't it amazing that the columns made me think of ballerinas. The designers sure knew how to send a subliminal message.. :-)

Louise said...

I got to tour the inside in 2010, a truly stunning building. Lovely photo, and thanks for the memories this morning.

Photos by Stan said...

Neat!! I'd love to see this in B&W with the contrast kicked up -- bet it would knock your socks off --

TheChieftess said...

Nice detail!!!