This photo shows you a detail of the Palais Garnier’s avant-foyer’s ceiling, an absolutely unique space because it doesn’t exist in any other theater of the end of the 19th century.
On top of the walls are sculptures that represent different trades linked to architecture, such as Carpentry, Paving, Masonry or Locksmithing. This way, Charles Garnier paid tribute to all his colleagues. He had actually created his architecture agency to complete this monumental construction work.
If the avant-foyer is so impressive, it’s because it’s covered with resplendent mosaics we owe to Venitians artists. This technique had long been abandoned in France but it’s been largely rediscovered by the general public thanks to the new opera house.
