France celebrates 150 years of the National Opera Garnier in Paris. The exhibition in the splendid building traces the history of the building from the competition for the design to the legendary performances and celebrities attending. The stairs outside and even more so inside are built to enhance the glamour around operas and dance. The drawings by Garnier are a highlight as much as the videos about celebrities walking up the stairs of an Opera building.
Charles de Gaulle, as many French Presidents before, dressed and took the famous stairs to impress the official invitees. The image of de Gaulle together with Konrad Adenauer is another interesting example of opera politics showing the authentic friendship after the fierce fighting of the 2 WW, the Nazi-terror and Shoa.
The design of the Paris Opera 150 years ago made for an impressive ritual performance of state diplomacy enhancing international reputation.
(Images: 150 years of Opera Garnier Paris – 3 designs, winning design by Garnier on the right).
