Charles Garnier

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Detail of the monument to Charles Garnier by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
Palais Garnier
Rue Auber
Quartier de la Chaussée-d'Antin, 9th arrondissement
Paris, July 2012

“Back in Paris, Garnier received few private commissions but accepted several municipal posts including that of architect of the fifth and sixth arrondissemnets. In 1861 Garnier entered and won the competition for the new Paris opera house. His design reflected the aspirations of the Second Empire with its rich coloring and decoration. From his studies of Roman pageantry, Garnier had developed a great sense of occasion and drama which when coupled with a logical floor plan was used to good effect in the opera. It quickly became known as the ‘Style Napoleon III.’” (Charles Garnier, Great Buildings)

See also: Monument to Garnier