Royal Opera of Versailles
The Royal Opera of Versailles is the main theatre and opera house of the Palace of Versailles. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, it is also known as the Théâtre Gabriel. The interior decoration by Augustin Pajou is constructed almost entirely of wood, painted to resemble marble in a technique known as faux marble. The excellent acoustics of the opera house are at least partly due to its wooden interior.
View of the opera
Louis XIV as Apollo in the Ballet Royal de la Nuit (1653)
Premiere of Rameau's La princesse de Navarre on 23 February 1745 in the Grande Écurie, engraving by Charles-Nicolas Cochin.
The Marquis de Marigny is asking Étienne Maynon d'Invault, contrôleur général des finances, for a budget increase to complete the works on the Royal Opera of Versailles until spring 1770 («parvenir à l’achèvement de la salle de spectacle du Château de Versailles, avant le printemps de 1770»). Draft letter, October 31, 1768.
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence commissioned by King Louis XIV located in Versailles, about 19 kilometers (12 mi) west of Paris, France.
Image: Versailles Chateau Jardins 02
Image: Chateau Versailles Galerie des Glaces
Versailles in 1668, painted by Pierre Patel
Le Vau's garden façade around 1675
