Palais Garnier · Water Below, and a Box That Does Not Exist

When the Palais Garnier was being built, groundwater was struck; the architect channelled it into a reservoir instead, to steady the foundations. That reservoir later became the model for the “underground lake” in The Phantom of the Opera.

The house also has a story about Box Five: it was kept off sale for a long time. Anyone may explain the custom, but no one can prove why.

In 1896 a chandelier fell from the ceiling and killed a person. That part is true.

Historical Mysteries / Paris · France / 1875