The 1982 French president, Mitterrand, launches a blind competition to build an opera at the infamous Bastille prison site. A prominent American architect, Richard Meier, is initially chosen, but the Minister of Culture is unimpressed and instead selects Canadian architect Carlos Ott. Despite Ott's inexperience and unknown reputation, the project moves forward. However, when Jacques Chirac becomes Prime Minister, he tries to halt the construction, citing a stop work order. The story of the Bastille Opera's tumultuous development is a fascinating tale of mistaken identity and seized opportunity.
Building Bastille
French President Mitterrand launches a blind competition to build an opera at the infamous Bastille prison site in 1982. Renowned architect Richard Meier submits a striking design, but the jury's decision takes an unexpected turn when it's revealed that the choice may not be as straight...
