Cookie preferences

Essential cookies are always on. They support security, bookings and payments, and remember your choice.

You can change your choices at any time in the footer.
apollonaut. Built by People Who've Been

Journal / Information

Art & architecture

The Grand Staircase: Marble, Light and Spectacle

Why Charles Garnier made arriving part of the performance.

Visitors on the Grand Staircase of the Palais Garnier

Coloured marble

The staircase is built from marbles of different colours, rising in curving flights under a painted ceiling. Stand at the foot of it, then look up.

A stage before the stage

Balconies around the staircase let audiences watch each other arrive. Garnier treated the walk to your seat as part of the evening.

The marble Grand Staircase of the Palais Garnier

Read next

The gilded Grand Foyer of the Palais Garnier with its chandeliersOpera house guide

What to see at
the Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier seen from above, with its roof statuesHistory & heritage

The story of
the opera house

The Apollonaut collection

You might like to visit

Gardens, palaces and landmarks across Apollonaut. Search, or browse what’s coming next.

View all experiences