Palais Garnier

Renowned architect Charles Garnier was born in 1825 in Paris, France. French architect of the Beaux-Arts style, he was famous for being the creator of the Paris Opera. The Palais Garnier or Opera Garnier was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III as part of his project to rebuild Paris towards modernity. To build it, a competition for the best design was held in 1860, where Charles Garnier stood out for his eclectic proposal. This project was considered a very complex one, since it was a great representative symbol of the political aspect and generated a high-cost composition, since it referenced historical elements. However, Parliament mostly did not agree and the community had its critical opinions on the work to be carried out and its significant location.

The Garnier Opera at first glance stands out for being symmetrical and compositionally attractive due to the construction system of columns. The porches at the entrance frame an interesting aesthetic due to the inclusion of exaggerated sculptures and ornaments. The element of the dome can also be seen inside, which generates an artistic sensation and also creates balance in the spaces. Garnier masterfully combined the colors and textures offered by different types of marble and stones, porphyry, gilded bronze, iron framework and other materials. Similarly, Garnier integrated a steel structure into its design, which was very successful because it reduced the risk of the building catching fire.

In general, the structure is divided into three parts: the first section being the public areas, meeting areas and access to the building; The second section is located in the center of the floor and is considered the most important area: the auditorium and after it, the stage; Finally, there is the area where the administrative officers operate and where the technical services are located. The Garnier Opera is considered one of the largest opera houses in the world because it has a capacity of 2,200 seats. Its interior appearance stands out for maintaining hierarchy in some spaces. The interlocking hallways, stairs, landings and niches of the Paris Opera were intended to be a social gathering space for people, as evidenced by the interlocking hallways, stairs, landings and niches that allow large groups of people to move simultaneously to socialize during the intermission of a performance.

In conclusion, its architectural style stood out for incorporating elements of the neo-Gothic and Renaissance style, based on neo-classicist criteria. It is of great admiration how he manages to highlight the detail in an artistic way and with a predominant gesture. As the first theater located in France, this was the key element for the development of the arts. His great contribution marked a period of 160 years and currently still houses countless masterpieces. In short, the Palais Garnier managed to be a symbol of national glory and has always functioned as such throughout history.