…All those fancy rich people who attended the opera with the intention to see and be seen decked themselves out with all their jewels, which they picked up from their bank vaults on their way there. The Grand Foyer of the Palais Garnier rivals the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. And the stairs themselves are really shallow, designed to prevent women from showing their - gasp! - ankles when walking up them. The several stories of balconies and open staircases beg you to gaze down at those below you - or across from you. In fact, that was the inspiration behind the grand staircase. The tour guide at the Paris Opera house confirmed what that man had told me years ago: Palais Garnier was designed for people watching. He said all opera houses are designed for people-watching because opera used to be as much about the music as it was a popularity contest among the aristocratic people who could afford to attend. The winding staircases and balconies allowed people to see and be seen - the most important factor of the night. And he shared something that has stayed with me ever since. The stranger next to me noticed my fascination and struck up a conversation. Once upon a time during intermission at one of my first operas, I stood at the balcony overlooking several levels of cascading staircases beneath me, watching people as I sipped on Champagne. Palais Garnier was designed for people-watching. 5 Incredible Facts About the Paris Opera House The staircase was made for people-watching. And I learned some incredible facts about the Paris Opera house during the tour. It was one of the main reasons (combined with French pastries) that inspired me to add Paris to my trip to Spain. Not the outside, but the cascading staircases, elaborately decorated hallways, and modern ceiling inside. When I first saw a photo of Palais Garnier, the opera house in Paris, I was mesmerized by how beautiful it was.
0 kommentar(er)
