Paris Opera

The historic Paris Opera house in the center of town is swarming with tourists this time of year. Opened in 1875, this huge neo-Baroque theatre is a major tourist attraction.

It was impossible to get a clear shot of the building, with so many tourists and tour buses swarming the site.

I could not get inside the theatre itself, as a rehearsal was underway, but did get a glimpse of the grand staircase.

Here's a view of the elegant lobby.

The architect Charles Garnier is honored with this statue on the west side of the building.

The little street behind the Opera House is named Place Diaghilev, a tribute to the great impressario who brought Russian ballet to the west a century ago.

According to this sign in the lobby, the Opera House will host an exciting range of ballet performances in the coming season. Alas, nothing is on this weekend while I'm in town.

NOTE: Click on any image in this blog to see it full-size.