Visit to the Paris Opera House 2019

The Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier) Grand Staircase 2019

In case you can’t believe your eyes I will describe the scene, there are two huge tractor tires painted in gold and placed in the middle of the grand staircase of the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier) .  Wait, what, are you kidding?! No, unfortunately not. 

You might think that this modern art installation is the result of a commission by Good Year Tires, or by Michelin, if that were only true, it might make sense. Believe it or not, this is meant to be a tribute to the Opéra de Paris' 350th anniversary. A strange way to show gratitude to the graceful institution of opera, and the exquisite Palais Garnier. This and other grotesque displays are the result of a carte blanche commission titled ‘Des Saturnalia’, and it is comprised of a sequence of works, each one worse than the other.  Despite mass criticism from the people of Paris and visitors from around the world, the exhibit will stand for a year. So that’s the good news. January 2020, it’s gone! 

Perhaps it is my ignorance or lack of culture that prevents me from seeing the real significance of this artistic display. It’s just I feel architecture is an art form, and this building is a true masterpiece, the creation of the French architect Charles Garnier, no less than Michelangelo’s David or Leonardo’s Mona Lisa.  How would we feel if they decided to bling them up with gold chains and ear rings, perhaps tattoos and wig! Wait, hang on to your hats, maybe they will!  One thing is for sure, there is never a dull moment in Paris!!