Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Grand Théâtre de Tours, located on Rue de la Scelerie in the Old Towers, is an emblematic building of the second half of the 19th century. Ranked a historic monument, it replaced an old church of the Cordeliers which had been transformed into a theatre since 1796. This Italian theatre, with a capacity of 950 seats, is the seat of the Opera de Tours and the Symphonic Orchestra region Centre-Val de Loire-Tours, reflecting its major cultural role in the city.

The first theatre, built in 1796 by the citizen Bûcheron in the disused church of the Cordeliers, offers 800 places. In 1867, the municipality purchased the hall and entrusted architect Léon Rohard with the construction of a new building, inaugurated in 1872. The sculptures of the facade are made by Frédéric-Charles Combarieu, while Theodore Maillot decorates the interior. This theatre was inspired by the Opéra Garnier in Paris, a symbol of the architectural fascist of the Second Empire.

A fire ravaged the building in 1883, leaving only the facade and walls intact. The reconstruction was first entrusted to Jean-Marie Hardion, then to Stanislas Loison after 1886. Georges Clairin, renowned painter, adorns the hall, fireplace and staircase with sumptuous decorations. The theatre reopened in 1889, embodying the artistic eclecticism of the early Third Republic. It is progressively protected, with a complete ranking in December 2023.

The history of the Grand Theatre illustrates the urban and cultural changes of Tours. First place of improvised spectacle in a revolutionary church, it becomes a municipal symbol of prestige under the Second Empire, before being restored after 1883 in a style combining neoclassicism and Garnerian influences. Its architecture and decor make it a major witness to the 19th century French theatre heritage.

Today, the Grand Théâtre remains an active artistic centre, successively directed by Jean-Yves Ossonce (1999-2015), Benjamin Pionnier (2016-2020), and Laurent Campellone since 2020. Its listing and ranking at the Historic Monuments (1994, 2000, 2023) underscores its heritage value, both for its architecture and for its continuing role in Tourangelle cultural life.

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