Visit the Opéra-Comique in Just a Few Clicks

Discover the must-see areas of the theatre!

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The front

Founded under the reign of Louis XIV in 1714, the Opéra-Comique is one of the oldest theatrical institutions alongside the Paris Opera and the Comédie-Française. It was given official status in 1762 and is now a national theatre.

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The Boieldieu Lobby

Until its troupe was disbanded in 1972, the Opéra-Comique was a repertory theatre. When the salle Favart reopened in 1898, it welcomed audiences with two heroines from the repertoire: Carmen (after Bizet) and Manon (after Massenet).

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The orchestra entrance

The orchestra audience is greeted by Jules Barbier (librettist) sculpted by Gustave Adolphe Désiré Crauk, and Jules Massenet (composer) sculpted by Jan and Joël Martel.

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The opéra-comique genre

The theatre has retained its original dimensions, which were conducive to the opéra-comique genre: alternating spoken scenes and sung pieces. The genre flourished in the Age of Enlightenment, influencing the German "singspiel" and the birth of the operetta.

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In the auditorium

The auditorium is "French-style", with few partitions, open to the central space and allowing optimum visual communication. It now seats 1,255. It was customary for the bourgeoisie to hold wedding interviews here during the intermissions.

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On a lighting element

The third salle Favart was the first theatre in Europe to be equipped with electricity. It applied the most recent safety regulations, enacted after the fire of 1887: fireproof materials, fire stations, iron curtains and doors opening to the outside.

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The Foyer

The theatre's decor is characterised by its eclecticism, typical of the 1900s, a period of transition passionate about history. It celebrates the French lyrical genius, as well as the vitality and grace of comic opera, suggested by the plant element, the lyre and the mask.

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The major market fairs

After Louis XIV expelled the Italian Comedians from Paris, fairground troupes recovered their methods and costumes to invent new parodic shows at the Saint-Germain and Saint-Laurent fairs. The audience at these fairs was very socially mixed.

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The Queen's comic ballet

In 1898, nationalist interests took precedence over historical accuracy. The French wanted to convince themselves that opera had been born in France (with Le Ballet de la Reine given in 1581, here represented without accuracy) and not in Italy (with Monteverdi's Orfeo in 1607).

Credits: Story

More information on the Opéra-Comique : Opéra-Comique

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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