Welcome!

This site was created to give you a brief history of the Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera House.

The grandeur of the Palais Garnier has inspired many creative souls over the years - the most notable being Gaston Leroux, author of the novel The Phantom of the Opera. In 1896, one of the counterweights of the chandelier fell, killing one very unfortunate person and frightening thousands. This, in addition to the underground lake and the twitterings of the corps de ballet, inspired Leroux to write his most well known work.

The ceiling in the auditorium, which was repainted in 1964 by Marc Chagall, to much controversy. Many believed the new painting didn't fit in with the rest of the Opera House's style.

A replica of the original ceiling, painted in 1872 by J. E. Lenepveu. Depending on your source, Chagall may or may not have painted over the original.