Creation of the square 1896 (≈ 1896)
Construction by Crédit Terrain sur l'Eden-Théâtre.
6 mai 1955
Renamed square
Renamed square 6 mai 1955 (≈ 1955)
Add the name Louis Jouvet in tribute.
2005
Protection of buildings
Protection of buildings 2005 (≈ 2005)
Registration for Historical Monuments of Nos. 1, 3, 5, 6.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Louis Jouvet - Comedian and theatre director
Posthumous tribute via the square name.
Alexandre Falguière - Sculptor
Author of *The Straddling Poet Pegasus*.
Origin and history
The square of the Opéra-Louis-Jouvet is a private road located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, between rue Boudreau and rue Édouard-VII. It was created in 1896 by the Crédit Terrain on the site of the former Eden-Théâtre, a place of entertainment now gone. Originally named square of the Opera because of its proximity to the Opéra Garnier, it was renamed in 1955 to pay tribute to actor Louis Jouvet, director of the theatre of the Athenaea whose main entrance overlooks this square.
The square is marked by a remarkable sculpture, Le Poète straddling Pegasus, by Alexandre Falguière. This ornamental monument adds an artistic dimension to this place, already loaded with theatrical history. The buildings bordering the square, built in 1896, form a coherent architectural ensemble, inscribed in the Historical Monuments since 2005. Their style reflects Haussmannian urban planning, typical of this period of transformation in Paris.
The Athénée Theatre, accessible from the square, is a major cultural place in the district. Founded in the early 20th century, it was directed by Louis Jouvet, a central figure in the French theatre, whose name remains associated with this square. The route is served by several metro stations and RER (Opéra, Madeleine, Auber), facilitating access to this historic and lively site, in the heart of a district marked by culture and the arts.
