Poster · 1/5
Poster for the première of “Carmen”
Every performance begins on the street. The 1875 Carmen poster puts the heroine at its centre — a dramatic invitation to the Parisian public.
Prudent-Louis Leray · 1875 · Colour lithograph on paper
Virtual exhibition · 5 objects · 1 3D model
Opera nights of the nineteenth century
From lithographic posters to costumes on stage
Introduction
The nineteenth century was the golden age of European opera: premières were heralded by vast lithographic posters, costumes were made to measure for each voice, and the full score travelled with the orchestra through hundreds of performances. This virtual exhibition takes you through five objects — view them in high resolution, turn the 3D models and read the stories behind each document.
Curator: Bùi Lan Phương
Design sketch · 2/5
Design for “Aida”
To give Aida the look of ancient Egypt, the archaeologist Auguste Mariette sketched the costumes himself, drawing on temple reliefs.
Auguste Mariette · 1869–1871 · Pencil and watercolour on paper
Costume · 3/5
Opera costume corset
From drawing to brocade: the corset shapes a singer’s posture — and their breath. Turn the 3D model to see the hooks and decorative chains.
Costume workshop (illustrative) · 19th-century style · Figured brocade, boning, hook fastenings and decorative metal chains
Poster · 4/5
Poster for “Tosca”
By the century’s end, Art Nouveau had transformed the opera poster. Adolfo Hohenstein drew Tosca in supple curves and a warm palette.
Adolfo Hohenstein · 1899 · Colour lithograph on paper
Score · 5/5
Full score of “Don Giovanni”
And when the house lights go down, everything returns to the score — where the conductor records the pulse of each night’s performance.
W. A. Mozart · 19th-century edition · Printed on paper
Keep exploring
Virtual exhibition
Behind the velvet curtain
The objects that create the atmosphere of the auditorium — digitised in 3D
At the theatre
Audio guide in four languages
Visit the theatre and scan the QR code at each stop to hear the commentary on your phone.
