Situated in Place de l’Opéra, built between 1861 and 1875 by the architect Charles Garnier, the Palais Garnier opera house has a richly decorated facade, a monumental staircase, and a 1,900-seat Italian auditorium with a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall, lit by a huge crystal chandelier. This building is a perfect example of 19th-century architecture hiding its metallic structure under lots of decorative features. From 1881 to the present day it has undergone several periods of restoration and modernization work that has made it more functional. Maria Callas and Rudolf Nureyev are some of the many artists who have contributed to the history of opera and ballet here. Until the opening of the Bastille opera house, the Palais Garnier opera house presented only ballet. Since then, it has returned to its original vocation of being an academy for music, dance and opera. As well as going to a show, visitors can also visit an exhibition or the main hall open from 11am to 4.30pm to appreciate the richly gilded and red velvet decor. There are special activities for children.