The magnificent Grand Escalier is the one of the highlights of the Paris Opera. This double staircase inspired by that of the Bordeaux Theatre is made of white marble with accents in red and green marble. The double staircase begins at the base wrapping around the exquisitely sculpted Pythia Basin. After a flight of stairs it meets. Here visitors are greeted by carved pedestals of allegories holding torches created by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. The single staircase proceeds upward before diverging once again leading to the Grand Foyer. The 30-meter vaulted ceiling was painted by Isidore Pils and depicts Greek deities in The Triumph of Apollo. The surrounding hallways with their decorated balconies offer ample opportunity to glimpse this imposing staircase from various angles.
