The ceiling of the Opera Garnier was painted in 1964 by Marc Chagall. The colours of the ceiling shine brilliantly under the glow of the Opera's grand chandelier. For the eager eye, the painting depicts a myriad of images, including winged characters, musical instruments, typical Parisian buildings and monuments like the Arc de Triomphe. The ceiling honours 14 major composers and although the work took a year to complete, Chagall agreed to paint the ceiling without salary. His painting of 2,400 square feet of frescoes, transforms a ceiling into a monumental work of art, in keeping with the majesty of the historic Opera house.
