Paris Opera House- Garnier (Paris, France) 1874, Baroque

Front Façade

Palais Garnier
(Garnier Opera House)

Main Lobby

       The Paris Opera house was commissioned by Napoleon III, and it was designed by Charles Garnier in 1862. It was finished in 1874, taking 12 years to come to completion. The structure was built to replace an old opera house that was too small, and happened to burn down during the construction of this new one. The façade of this structure was a combination of styles, including Baroque and Beaux-arts, however Garnier insisted the style be referred to as “Napoleon III”. The front façade was a true sight to be seen in terms of detail and scale. There is a full length portico lined with arches that are adorned with sculptures of composers and musical artists along the entire length of the front facade. Above that, is a row of corinthian columns in AA BB formation. The formation entails two thicker columns flanking two thinner ones made of stone and marble, framing the openings. The thinner columns are adorned with cold at the capitals. Above each opening is a circular opening featuring a statue of a composer or musician, including Beethoven and Mozart. There are also ornately carved friezes detailed with gold, above every opening on the second level. Above is a stacked cornice, dentil moulding and layers and layers more of frieze and cornice. The openings at either end of the front facade has columns that are topped by an arched pediment. At the top of the structure there is a dome topped by a sculpture of Apollo.

Grand Staircase

      Although the exterior of this building is a spectacle, what I find most intriguing is the interior. Setting the tone of Main theatre hall is a six ton chandelier hanging from the center dome. What was the biggest innovation at the time, was the layout of the main staircase. Garner designed the stairways to enable patrons to engage each other using large platforms and alcoves that not only allowed circulation, but also allowed people gather and interact during intermissions. The stairs were long and low, inviting a slower circulation, to allow the visitor to better enjoy their surroundings. It is framed by candelabras by Carrier-Belleus and allegorical paintings by Baudry. Everything about the opera house was about grandeur. The finishes were opulent in crimson tones, marble, gold, porphyry and onyx. It is framed by candelabras by Carrier-Belleus. This particular design of circulation generated a new typology for Opera houses. 

      The Paris Opera house is a marvel of design. It’s attention to detail in design and experience of the inhabitant is intriguing. The location of the building on the axis of the main veins of the city imply it’s importance, and the ornate decorations add to the feeling of opulence. Although this building is of a grand scale, with domed ceilings and potentially overwhelming to view, the interior intends to cater more to the individual experience, seeking to manipulate the visitors experience on a human scale even though the proportions are rather monumental.

Bibliography:

“AD Classics: Paris Opera / Charles Garnier.” ArchDaily, 22 Jan. 2011, www.archdaily.com/105785/ad-classics-paris-opera-charles-garnier.

“Garnier Opera House.” Napoleon.org, www.napoleon.org/en/magazine/places/garnier-opera-house/