1714. Creation of the Opéra-Comique
The Opéra-Comique was founded by its first director, Catherine Vondrebeck. The term "Opéra-comique" refers both to the spoken-sung genre and to its troupe, which performed in Paris at the major seasonal fairs.
1762. The Opéra-Comique merges with the Comédie-Italienne
This merger with a royal troupe gave the Opéra-Comique a status and a building to perform in. But, by 1780, the Opéra-Comique had regained its autonomy and its name.
1783. The Opéra-Comique moves to the Salle Favart
Salle Favart was built for the Opéra-Comique in what was the north of Paris at the time of the Ancien Régime. This theatre burned down and was rebuilt twice on the same perimeter. The current auditorium dates from 1898. Restored in 2016, it seats 1,200.
1807. Official definition of the genre
The Opéra-Comique was included on the list of the four main Parisian theatres, and a decree laid down its genre: "comedy or drama mixed with couplets, ariettes or ensemble pieces".
1864. The Opéra-Comique opens its repertoire
Thanks to an imperial decree, the Opéra-Comique opened its programme to opera, translated foreign works and ballets. Producing an average of ten new works a year, it is the most creative lyric theatre in France.
1875. Creation of Carmen
Georges Bizet's comic opera Carmen, first performed at the Salle Favart, is now one of the most performed operas in the world.
The Salle Favart saw the creation of other great successes such as Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Lakmé, Pelléas et Mélisande and La Voix
1898. Opening of the third Salle Favart
Following a fatal fire in 1887, the Opéra-Comique was rebuilt and inaugurated in 1898. This new auditorium took into account all the new safety standards of the time, and became the first theatre in Europe to be equipped with electricity.
2005. The Opéra-Comique becomes a national theatre
After a complicated period (reunification with the Opéra de Paris in 1939, dismissal of its troupe in 1972, reopening as an association in 1990), the Opéra-Comique regained its status as a national theatre.
2014. The Opéra-Comique celebrates its 300th anniversary
Albeit its complex and eventful history, the Opéra-Comique is celebrating its 300th birthday! The theatre closed its doors temporarily between July 2015 and March 2017 for major refurbishment works to double that age!
2024. The future of the Opéra-Comique
The Opéra-Comique and its emblematic mainate still have a bright future ahead of them! With new productions every year, as well as revivals of the great hits of the repertoire, the theatre bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, and is resolutely looking to the future.
