Stage jewellery
Treasures on display at the Palais Garnier.
They shine, they impress, they dazzle. The stage jewels ofParis Operadesigned specifically to be worn there, contribute as much to the brilliance of the institution as to that of its performers.
The Opéra National de Paris unveils its "Stage Jewels
Yet their materials are anything but precious: brass gives the illusion of gold, coloured glass the appearance of gems, and rhinestones the sparkle of diamonds. But this doesn't stop them being made with remarkable care and expertise.
And therein lies the paradox of these ornaments: thanks to the art of illusion, through the false, they aim to speak the truth, the very foundation of theatre.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these jewels also have a narrative function. From the 19th century onwards, they became key plot elements or visual clues essential to understanding the works. Depending on the period and the trend, their design has oscillated between historical accuracy, geographical precision and a pure quest for beauty.
Since the Second Empire, the Paris Opera's collection of stage jewellery, held by the Bibliothèque nationale de France, has grown to include almost 4,000 pieces. This unique and ever-expanding selection embodies the magic of stage shows.
The jewels presented here bear witness to their indispensable role in the world of theatre and opera.For this meticulous project, our teams created the various sets and all the exhibition signage.
Expectations
For this unique exhibition, we brought our expertise in graphic printing to bear and also designed the signage to enhance this fabulous collection.
Our work was guided by two key priorities: to highlight the jewels while respecting the unique atmosphere of the Palais Garnier.
- Colour calibration: We have carried out meticulous work, creating these monochrome décors required careful colour calibration to reproduce the exact Pantone shades provided by the client. This precise adjustment ensured perfect harmony with the mural paintings and architectural elements of the Palace, so that each visual integrates seamlessly into the prestigious exhibition setting.
- Printing technique: Canvases, adhesive lettering and rigid panels have been produced using UV printing to offer an exceptional quality, durable finish that is true to the spirit of the exhibition.
This exhibition imagined by the'Deltaèdre workshop it highlights the history and elegance of the jewellery worn on the grand stages, adorning the major productions of the Paris Opera. We are delighted to have contributed to this project, which has showcased the treasures of this unique artistic heritage.
Don't miss this exhibition, on show until 28 March!
