Palais Garnier under threat

Apologies this has to be brief, but I haven't seen this discussed on any Phantom-related boards so I thought I should make people aware.

Basically, the management of the Paris Opéra has decided to remove several of the box partitions in the Palais Garnier. This has been done without consultation (as far as I'm aware) and despite a request by the Académie des Beaux-Arts that the works (which have already commenced) be immediately halted.

The aim is to generate more €€€€ by increasing audience capacity (the management also says it is doing this to improve sightlines). More info at these links: http://bit.ly/1PkvKLI & http://bit.ly/1SDfnIT & http://bit.ly/1MGOD4Q

However, the resultant removal of these boxes destroys Garnier's vision -- see, for instance, these very recently taken photos: http://www.forumopera.com/breve/palais-garnier-le-choc-des-photos

There is a petition to stop this, which has made the headlines in France and already has over 7,500 signatures. Please add yours: http://chn.ge/1Puu8xE

Updates on the situation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/fantomedelopera

OMG! Thanks so much for posting this! That sucks! I'm glad the petition's getting so much traction, though. That's good at least!

This is a scandal. I've signed the petition on the first day! Being in a box at Garnier is a really really intense feeling. Shame on them.

I'm surprised there aren't historical preservation laws in place limiting construction/destruction of the building. It seems a shame to alter such a magnificent and historic site, especially if it's not for the better.