Stage jewellery
Treasures on display at the Palais Garnier.
They sparkle, they impress, they dazzle. The stage jewellery of the’Paris Opera, designed specifically to be worn there, contribute as much to the brilliance of the institution as to that of its performers.
The Paris National Opera unveils its "Stage Jewels"
Yet, their materials are anything but precious: brass creates the illusion of gold, coloured glass the appearance of gemstones, and rhinestones the sparkle of diamonds. This does not prevent them from being created with remarkable care and skill.
This is the whole paradox of these ornaments: through the art of illusion, by means of the false, they aim to express the truth, the very foundation of theatre.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these jewels also carry a narrative function. From the 19th century onwards, they became key plot elements or visual clues essential for understanding the works. Their design wavered between historical accuracy, geographical precision, and a pure pursuit of beauty, depending on the trends and eras.
Since the Second Empire, the Paris Opera's stage jewellery collection, held at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, has grown by almost 4,000 pieces. This unique and ever-expanding selection embodies the magic of the stage.
The jewellery presented here testifies to its indispensable role in the world of theatre and opera.For this meticulous project, our teams created the various sets as well as all the exhibition signage.
Expectations
For this unique exhibition, we've brought our graphic printing expertise and also created the signage to enhance this fabulous collection.
Our intervention was guided by two essential priorities: highlighting the jewellery while respecting the unique atmosphere of the Palais Garnier.
- Colour calibration: We have carried out meticulous work, the creation of these monochrome decors required careful colour calibration to reproduce the exact Pantone shades provided by the client. This precise adjustment ensured perfect harmony with the wall paintings and architectural elements of the Palace, so that each visual integrates perfectly into the prestigious setting of the exhibition.
- Printing Technique: Canvases, adhesive lettering, and rigid panels were produced using UV printing to offer an exceptionally high-quality, durable finish that remains true to the spirit of the exhibition.
This exhibition, conceived by the'Atelier Deltaèdre This highlights the history and elegance of 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, available to discover until 28 March!
