Fondation du Collège Saint-Joseph 1841 (≈ 1841)
Creation by the brothers of Christian schools.
1900
Opening of the room
Opening of the room 1900 (≈ 1900)
Built by Philippe Devorsine, eclectic style.
Années 1920
Improvement work
Improvement work Années 1920 (≈ 1920)
Lead by architect Étienne Coutan.
10 mai 2017
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 10 mai 2017 (≈ 2017)
Protection of the room and its equipment.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Saint-Joseph de Bel-Air's concert hall, located 44, rue de Bel-Air, including its stage and technical equipment, machinery and décors, according to the right-of-way delimited by a red line on the plan annexed to the Order (Box MR 314): inscription by order of May 10, 2017
Key figures
Philippe Devorsine - Architect
Original designer of the room in 1900.
Étienne Coutan - Architect
Made improvements in the 1920s.
Frères des écoles chrétiennes - Founders of the College
Originally created in 1841.
Origin and history
The Bel-Air concert hall, located at 44 rue de Bel-Air in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique), was inaugurated in 1900 at the Collège Saint-Joseph, founded in 1841 by the brothers of the Christian schools. Designed by architect Philippe Devorsine, it illustrates a stylistic eclecticism combining rococo and Art Nouveau influences. Its preserved stage equipment, machinery and original décor make it a rare witness to the theatres of the early 20th century. In the 1920s, architect Étienne Coutan made significant improvements.
After World War II, the hall gradually declined, but continued to host neighbourhood festivals and popular theatre magazines until the 1970s. At the beginning of the 2000s, budgetary constraints prevented its restoration and upgrading, resulting in its closure to the public for safety reasons. Despite this, it remains used by associative theatre troupes, such as the Théâtre des Cerises and the Théâtre Pom, which have established their offices there.
Classified as a historic monument since May 10, 2017, the Bel-Air Hall is distinguished by its exceptional state of conservation, including its technical infrastructure and decor. Today owned by the municipality of Nantes, it embodies a major architectural and cultural heritage, dedicated to local artistic activities. Its inscription protects all its original elements, from floor to ceiling, as well as its historic stage machinery.
