Comedy Hall 1770 (≈ 1770)
Opening of the replaced room later.
1853
Expansion of Toulon
Expansion of Toulon 1853 (≈ 1853)
Allows the construction of opera.
5 mars 1860
Start of work
Start of work 5 mars 1860 (≈ 1860)
Launch of the project by Feuchère.
1er octobre 1862
Inauguration
Inauguration 1er octobre 1862 (≈ 1862)
Official opening to the public.
2 décembre 1988
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 2 décembre 1988 (≈ 1988)
Official heritage registration.
1er janvier 2003
Change in management
Change in management 1er janvier 2003 (≈ 2003)
Transfer to Metropole Toulon Provence Mediterranean.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Léon Feuchère - Initial architect
Author of original modified plans.
Charpentier - Architect modifier
Rewrite Feuchère's plans.
Pierre-Marius Montagne - Sculptor
Author of the six muses statues.
Origin and history
The opera of Toulon, built between 1860 and 1862 on the plans of architect Léon Feuchère (recasted by Charpentier), replaces the Salle de la Comédie, which has been considered obsolete since 1770. His inauguration on 1 October 1862 preceded by 13 years that of the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The urban expansion of 1853, pushing the ramparts northward, allowed its construction in the heart of the city, on the present boulevard de Strasbourg.
Ranked a historic monument since 2 December 1988, the opera is distinguished by its neo-classical architecture: pink and grey columns, pediment, and six statues of muses (Euterpe, Terpsichore, etc.) carved by Pierre-Marius Montagne. Its scene, the most steep of France (7% of the difference), offers optimal but complex visibility for artists. With a capacity of 1,329 seats, it hosts 50,000 spectators annually.
The opera was used as a setting for filming, such as The Curse of Belphegor (1966) or The Eyes of Helen (1994). Since 2003, it has been managed by the Toulon Provence Mediterranean Metropole. Its renowned acoustics and history make it a major cultural symbol of the region, competing with the major provincial operas.
The original plans of Feuchère, modified by Charpentier, reflect Toulon's artistic ambitions in the 19th century. The northern facade, opened on the boulevard de Strasbourg, contrasts with the viewer's entrance to Victor Hugo Square. This 2,000 m2 building, owned by the municipality, combines functionality and aesthetics, with arches in the middle of a hanger and an antique muse-inspired decoration.
