Fancy opera houses like the Palais Garnier were designed for more than just watching a performance. The open balconies and winding staircases were meant to encourage people-watching, especially among the upper class. Commissioned by Napoleon III as part of his grand, transformative renovation of Paris, the Palais Garnier first opened on this day in 1875. Immediately upon opening its doors, it became the place to see and be seen—and to be surrounded by opulence. The domed ceiling shown here was painted by Marc Chagall in 1964, covering the original ceiling paintings by artist Jules Lenepveu. Chagall’s colorful, dreamlike work stretches nearly 2,600 square feet and depicts scenes from operas by 14 different composers, including Beethoven and Debussy.
Art abounds at the Palais Garnier
Today in History
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Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act marks 42 years
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National Take a Hike Day
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Whangārei Falls in New Zealand
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Aurora borealis
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World Book Day
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International Lighthouse Weekend
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Aprils full moon
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Class, please take out a No. 2 pencil…
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International Women s Day
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Astronomy Day
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Decorating for Diwali
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There once was a lighthouse from...
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World Space Week
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A dreamy start to the Year of the Pig
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Endangered Species Day
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Why’s it called a spelling ‘bee,’ anyhow?
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Polar Bear Week
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Memorial Day
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Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Louvre Pyramid
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GOAL!