If the Palais Garnier is so famous, it’s notably for its great auditorium.
Under a 20-meter-high cupola, you can count 2101 seats. They are covered with red velvet, which stands out from other Parisians theaters of the 19th century that preferred white and blue or white and gold. This warm color is renowned for flattering the complexion.
The shape of this auditorium has been designed so that the stage would be visible from virtually every seat and that the sound of instruments and voices would arrive to everyone’s ears. The orchestra is placed below stage level to reduce noise levels of the instruments and not cover the singers’ voices.
As for the decoration, it is quite simple in order to not override the stage where all eyes must be focused during the show.
The architect, Charles Garnier, really never left anything to chance.
