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| RE-OPENING
OF MONACO'S OPERA HOUSE -- Garnier’s exquisite Opera House to re-open on Monaco’s National Day --
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| RE-OPENING
OF MONACO'S OPERA HOUSE -- Garnier’s exquisite Opera House to re-open on Monaco’s National Day --
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NEW YORK—October -- Monaco’s landmark Monte-Carlo Opera House is undergoing a careful and uncompromising restoration. Guided by its rich history and strong sense of place, an expert team of preservationists, architects and artisans are adhering faithfully to legendary 19th century architect Charles Garnier’s original design. It will reopen on November 19, 2005, following two years of historical research and painstaking restoration at the hands of more than 35 highly specialized firms. Its debut will be the highlight of Monaco’s National Day festivities, celebrated with a jubilant performance of Rossini’s “Le Voyage a Reims” directed by Pier Luigi Pizza. This invitation-only performance will be followed by public performances on November 21, 23, 25 and 27. Under the direction of Alain Desmarchelier for Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), project managers Alain-Charles Perrot, Chief Architect of the Monuments Historiques, and Monaco-based architect Agence Rainier Boisson, the aim is to replicate the Opera House’s timeless and enduring style while updating it for future generations. This accomplished team of architects (Perrot is also credited with restoring the Grand Palais in Paris) pored over documents and old photographs in order to replicate myriad interior and exterior details, ranging from fabrics and furnishings to the building’s magnificent frescoes and cupolas. The extensive, €26 million project is financed by the SBM and the Monégasque State as part of the Principality’s commitment to preserving its historic heritage. “The term ‘restoration’ is frequently applied to projects far less grand in scope,” said Alain Desmarchelier, Director of SBM’s Service Etudes, which oversees projects related to SBM’s architectural holdings. “By contrast, the restoration of the Opera House is an all-encompassing project, with the intent to recreate every detail of the original.” To that end, master craftsmen from throughout France and Monaco are charged with the most intricate restoration work, both inside and out. In all, 35 different, highly specialized firms were called upon to lend their expertise, including Ateliers Meriguet-Carrère for décor and painting restoration, Les Ateliers du Bois for woodwork restoration and Mathieu Lustrerie for restoration of the grand chandelier. Interestingly, the chandelier has been entirely rebuilt. Originally designed by Charles Garnier, it was truncated by two-thirds under Prince Charles III, scaling down to a crown of light. Based on an old photograph of the original, bronzier d’art Regis Mathieu recreated the piece, which features 400 lights of varying shapes. Already, it is considered a work of art; receiving the SEMA 2004 prize from the Société d’Encouragement aux Métiers d’Art. Weighing five tons, it will take more than a week to hang. In order to restore the Opera House’s exquisite frescos, paintings and extensive gold mouldings, Ateliers Meriguet-Carrere has used 80 tons of scaffolding to apply 80,000 gold leaves. The Opera House exterior is receiving equal attention to detail. The roof, carved stone façade and striking dome will be completely restored: following its dismantling, the roof’s support wood beams undergo will be replaced and pieces of the roofing and many copper ornaments restored in a special workshop. In addition, the crown of the concert hall’s dome, which rests on a metallic frame by Gustav Eiffel, will be entirely refurbished. Finally, the 1,300-square-meter carved stone façade of the Opera House will be repaired and treated to a new coating. While historic preservation is the primary objective, the project afforded the opportunity to make significant “seen and unseen” improvements, such as the addition of a technical floor literally dug out of underlying rock to accommodate new state-of-the-art equipment and a “reflecting” oak floor to enhance the acoustics. Perhaps the most visually dazzling enhancement is the Opera House’s expansive windows, which, until now, have remained completely sealed. The restoration opens these windows to showcase a spectacular view of the Mediterranean as visitors arrive. When the show begins, the curtains will close. It will be the only Opera House in the world featuring exterior views from within the concert space. Garnier would have surely have approved this dramatic change. Widely considered the foremost architect of his time, Garnier built the Monte-Carlo Opera House in just six months, following the completion of the acclaimed Paris Opera House in 1875. It was inaugurated on January 25, 1879 by the celebrated French actress, Sarah Bernhardt and, in the years that followed, many important works made their debut at the Monte-Carlo Opera House, including Richard Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde," in 1893 and Maurice Ravel's "The Child and the Spells" in 1925. About Monte-Carlo Hotels, Spas and Casinos: Contacts: USA:
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