The building, in the eclecticism and the exuberance of its decoration, is today seen as one of the symbols of the Imperial regime.

When Empress Eugénie, puzzled by the building's lack of unity, asked him: “What is this style? This is no style, it is not Greek or Louis XVI”, the architect answered: “No, those styles are all outdated, this is Napoleon III”. With this building, which made him famous, Garnier in effect also invented the architectural style of the Second Empire. The front was unveiled on 15th August, 1867, but the opera-house was only officially opened in 1875, after the fall of the Empire. For fourteen years he devoted himself almost every day to the prestigious building site. It was won by a young architect still unknown at the time named Charles Garnier. A contest in which 171 applicants competed was launched in December. The Palais Garnier is the setting for Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel ' The Phantom of the Opera', and I couldn’t help but be awed at the sheer majesty of the interiors, and of the glimpse that they give to life in another era.On 29th September, 1860, Napoleon III ordered the construction of a new opera house to replace the one in rue Le Peletier, a temporary building both too narrow and situated in a congested area of Paris. It was the most expensive building constructed in Paris during the Second Empire, and it shows in every feature and finish. The unmatched glory of the interiors, resplendent with glistening chandeliers, tall columns, gilded walls and architectural features will leave you breathless. This impressive masterpiece, built over a mere 15-year period between 1861 to 1875, has incredible detailing and fine furnishings, and is probably the most famous Opera House in the world.

The Palais Garnier has incredible detailing, opulence and majesty. The 1979-seat Opera House is the most lavish building I have ever seen, perhaps ever built, in the modern age. Few places, in my experience, can match the extravagance of the Palais Garnier, 10 Place de l'Opéra, in Paris’ IV arrondissement.

Paris opera house hours of operation