The main facade of the Palais Garnier, south-facing, was the first part of the building to be completed. In fact, Napoleon III, commissioner of this new opera, wanted it to be presented during the 1867 World’s Fair.
In spite of short deadlines, Charles Garnier took up the challenge, making this facade the manifesto of his art : references to several historical periods and use of various materials for a multicolored architecture.
