Opéra - Charles Garnier and Empress Eugénie

“How do you call this architecture?” This was the reaction of Empress Eugenie! Once the commission had selected the architect that was to design the opera house, Emperor Napoleon III and his wife were invited to have a preview and see the plans and sketches of the lucky winner: Charles Garnier.

Napoleon III who had commissioned the construction of the new opera house and the Empress were eager to see what it would look like. Eugenie was well educated and familiar with the different types of architecture.

Facing this colorful mixture of ancient, modern, extravagant and ostentatious display, she was speechless! She exclaimed: “Now, this is not classic architecture, this is not Greek, nor Roman! How do you describe this???” Charles Garnier replied: “Your Majesty, you are right! All these styles have lived! This architecture will be known as Napoleon III style!”