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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A courtyard scene from Spain
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Blackbird in Essex, England
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The Kelpies statues in Falkirk, Scotland
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Rapa Valley in Sarek National Park, Sweden
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World Children s Day
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A cutting-edge art gallery opens in Paris
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National Public Lands Day
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The aftermath of a meteorite
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The glowing waters of the Matsu Islands
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Shhh, the movie is about to start
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National Park Week: Olympic National Park, Washington
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A stroll above the stratosphere
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Fire-damaged forest near Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado
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Cherry blossoms at the National Mall, Washington, DC
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The Zugspitze: Germany s highest point
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Waiting for the perfect shot
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Behold the perfect cone
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Happy Easter from the ‘peeps’ at Bing
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Napping away New Year s Day
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Welcome to California
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The Vestibule at Diocletian s Palace, Split, Croatia
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Who s wearing such cute hats?
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Indian Independence Day
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Uredd Rest Area, Norway
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Observing a squirrelly day
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Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
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Monet still makes an impression
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Till the cows come home
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Tambopata National Reserve, Peru