Palais Garnier
This is the Paris Opera house built by Garnier! On the outside you will find a beautiful and elaborate facade, chalk full of stone work, statues, friezes, cartouches, and pillars. However, the inside is what really blows you away. I am standing on a balcony overlooking the central staircase. Right off the bat, you can see the overpowering opulence. The room feels very open because of the groupings of pillars running along the room, supporting arches that open into the main hallway area. On top of the arches, rest multiple horizontal bands and also elaborate stone carvings. Another set of arches continues onto the next level. This pattern provides a sense of sturdy, elaborate openness. Finally, a beautiful ceiling is decked out with expansive paintings that draw the observer into its story. Deeper inside the building, you will find a stunning auditorium for performances. I believe that this opulent building is important culturally because it changed who had access to the opera....
