Palais Garnier (National Opera of Paris), Paris (must see)

The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra Garnier or the Paris Opera, is a grand 19th-century building designed by architect Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875. Having served as the principal venue for the Paris Opera until the opening of the Opéra Bastille in 1989, it continues to be used for ballet performances and concerts.

The structure is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a grand façade with elaborate sculptures, bronze busts of famous composers, and a stunning rotunda adorned with a multi-colored mosaic. The interior is equally impressive, with a grand marble staircase, a massive chandelier weighing over six tons, and a spectacular auditorium decorated with frescoes and a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.

One interesting historical curiosity about the Palais Garnier is its association with the Phantom of the Opera. This legend inspired Gaston Leroux's famous novel, which was later adapted into a musical. According to the legend, a mysterious figure called the Phantom haunted the opera house's underground tunnels and caused chaos in the theater. Although the story is fictional, the Palais Garnier's underground lake and maze-like passages do exist and can be visited on a guided tour.

Another curiosity of the palace is the grand foyer, a lavish space designed for the elite of Parisian society to see and be seen during intermissions, which features opulent decorations, including a ceiling painted by Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry and sculptures by Carpeaux and Jean-Baptiste Klagmann. The grand foyer has been meticulously restored, and visitors can admire its beauty during guided tours.

Overall, a must-visit destination for architecture and history buffs, music and theater lovers, and anyone looking to experience the grandeur and beauty of one of Paris's most iconic landmarks.

Tip:
If you only possess a mild acquaintance with the opera genre but aspire to experience its glory, Palais Garnier emerges as a suitable destination. The edifice is an ideal venue to witness a classic Italian opera, such as the legendary creations of Verdi or Puccini, which usually span for around 3.5 hours, including intervals, and have great music you might recognize. The website provides comprehensive information on the duration of each performance.
A self-guided tour of the palace is also feasible, or alternatively, a guided tour is available that encompasses access to places off-limits to solo explorers and confers a deeper insight into the history of the palace and opera.