State of the World from NPR Paris' Iconic Opera House Celebrates 150 Years
Jun 13, 2025
Delve into the opulence of the Paris Opera House, celebrating its 150th anniversary. Discover architect Charles Garnier’s rags-to-riches story and the architectural masterpieces he created. Explore the vibrant social scene of 1870s Paris, marked by the rise of the nouveau riche. Uncover the historical challenges and socio-political tensions that shaped this iconic venue, and see how its legacy inspired works like 'Phantom of the Opera.' Prepare for a journey through art, culture, and history!
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Opera Garnier's Social Theater
- The grand staircase inside Opera Garnier is a social theater where visitors become actors.
- It was a place for Belle-Époque Parisians to socialize, smoke cigars, and be seen.
Garnier's Democratic Vision
- Architect Charles Garnier was the first non-noble commissioned to design a major Paris building.
- The opera celebrates Parisians who strive and succeed, not just those born wealthy.
Underground Lake Inspiration
- Building the opera was delayed by underground water challenges that Garnier solved with pumps.
- His solution created an underground lake inspiring "Phantom of the Opera."
