Tourist Information
In 1858, Emperor Napoleon III was a victim of an attempt on his life whilst he was attending a performance at the Opera. As he did not feel safe there, the Emperor then declared that a new opera house should be built in the public interest. In 1860, a competition was held in order to designate the architect who would accomplish this demanding task. Against all expectations, of the 171 entrants, it was the young Charles Garnier who was chosen for his ambitious project. When, on seeing the drawings for the new opera house, Empress Eugénie complained that Garnier had no style, he had the audacity to reply that his opera was in the style of Napoleon III. The Opéra Garnier astonishes by its architecture and heavy, but still very elegant decor with its coloured marble and gilding. It is the largest theatre in Europe in terms of surface area, and the main auditorium can seat audiences of up to 2,000. Today it is still one of the symbols of the Capital and even if is now dedicated to dance and the ballet, it also puts on operatic performances. To visit the superb Palais Garnier or attend a performance, you will need to go to the IXth arrondissement of Paris, Metro station Opéra. http://www.operadeparis.fr/
