[An illustration of a ship, symbolizing the symbol of Paris]

Histoire de Paris

Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris
Le quartier de l’Opéra fut profondément modifié et modernisé par les plans d’urbanisme du Préfet de Paris, le baron Haussmann. Ce théâtre, joyau de l’architecture Napoléon III fut conçu par l’architecte Charles Garnier, lauréat du concours. Cet édifice remplaçait celui de la rue Le Peletier, qui avait brûlé en 1873.

[Illustration of the facade of the Opera House]

La construction de ce théâtre, commencée en 1862, se heurta à la présence d’une nappe d’eau qu’il fallut pomper pendant 8 mois. II fut inauguré le 5 janvier 1875. II reste le plus grand Opéra du monde.

One of the series of signs describing historical places in Paris. The signs were placed starting in 1992 and are also called sucettes Starck (Starck’s Lollipops) after Philippe Starck who designed them.

The sign depicts the building of the National Opera of Paris - Opéra Garnier designed by Charles Garnier

The opera building (from the side where the sign stands) was photographed on the same day Click for a larger image
Another angle of the opera was taken the day after this sign was taken Click for a larger image

The illustration in the center of the sign is shown here at magnification Click for a larger image

Translation of the text on the sign:
[An illustration of a ship, symbolizing the symbol of Paris]

History of Paris

Paris National Opera Theater
The Opera district was profoundly modified and modernized by the urban plans of the Prefect of Paris, Baron Haussmann. This theater, a jewel of Napoleon III architecture, was designed by the architect Charles Garnier, winner of the competition. This building replaced the one on rue Le Peletier, which had burned in 1873.

[Illustration of the façade of the Opera House]

The construction of this theater, begun in 1862, was hampered by the presence of a body of water which had to be pumped out for 8 months. It was inaugurated on January 5, 1875. It remains the largest Opera House in the world.