Grand Théâtre de Genève

Inspired by the Opéra Garnier in Paris, the prestigious Second Empire-style building, with a capacity of 1,300 seats, opened in 1879. The Grand Théâtre quickly became the largest structure of its kind in French-speaking Switzerland. The theater survived in its original state until 1951, when a fire destroyed the building during preparations for a pyrotechnic display planned for the final act of Die Walküre. The hall reopened in 1962: extensions to the wings created two side wings and a rear stage for commissioned scenery.